Tooth clenching: here are all the secrets of bruxism
Did your dentist tell you you're clenching or grinding your teeth? Do you often have sore muscles in the morning? Most likely you may suffer from tooth clenching, one of the two manifestations of bruxism along with grinding.
According to a 2013 scientific article entitled "Bruxism defined and graded: an international consensus" published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, bruxism is defined as a repetitive activity of masticatory muscles characterized by grinding or clenching of teeth and/or tension jaw thrust.
Classifications of bruxism
Bruxism is part of the parafunctional habits and can be classified according to the type of movement and the period of the day in which it occurs. It is distinguished in:
1 - static bruxism (clenching), characterized by the clenching of teeth;
2 - dynamic bruxism (grinding), ie the grinding of the arches.
In addition, we talk about diurnal bruxism when the frame or grinding occurs during daylight hours, while it is called nocturnal bruxism when the problem occurs at night.
What are the causes of bruxism?
A systematic review has shown that the prevalence of subjects suffering from bruxism is between 8 and 31.4%. But what are the causes?
The causes of teeth grinding and clenching are still unclear but there are certainly many factors involved. For several years it was thought that bruxism was caused by a malocclusion, but recent studies have denied this theory. Psycho-social factors certainly play a particularly important role. Anxiety and stress predispose to diurnal bruxism.
Drugs and bad habits can also affect teeth grinding. Some antidepressants or antipsychotics, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine have been shown to be closely related to nocturnal bruxism. Likewise, even insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are found that are easily found in patients with this disorder.
It can be concluded that there is no univocal criterion on how the grinding of teeth and the frame develop.
The characteristic features of tooth clenching
The clenching has several points in common with the grinding of the teeth but differs in some aspects:
- The teeth of the lockers are not worn;
- Muscle exertion is even more pronounced than grinding, causing even intense muscle pain during the day;
- The clenching determines a deepening of the pits in the dental elements;
- Periodontal manifestations such as gum recessions are frequent, up to dental mobility.
Bruxism therapy: here is how to solve the problem
Unfortunately, a therapy that removes the cause does not yet exist. The only existing remedy for teeth grinding and fixation is palliative in nature and is represented by the splint.
The bite is a removable resin device that is generally positioned on the upper arch and eliminates the harmful effects of bruxism. By distributing the contacts of the teeth on the bite it will help the relaxation of the masticatory muscles by attenuating all the symptoms such as headache, soreness, and pain.
In addition, the jaw will be free to skate on the resin preventing the teeth from being worn out further.
It is essential that the splint is planned and designed by a dentist, absolutely avoiding those preformed present at the supermarket or pharmacy. Using the latter it is likely that there is no improvement in the symptoms, or that there may be an aggravation of the same.
Containment of risk factors
In addition to the use of the guard, surely a valid help is represented by the elimination of all risk factors. Intervening on the psycho-emotional component and on the spoiled habits is of fundamental importance. Therefore it is recommended:
- Do not take caffeinated drinks in the evening hours;
- Avoid smoking and alcohol;
- Perform sporting activities in order to relax the muscles;
- Do not chew gum.
By showing themselves unconsciously, people with bruxism can suffer considerable damage. Identifying the problem promptly is essential to minimize harmful consequences.
According to a 2013 scientific article entitled "Bruxism defined and graded: an international consensus" published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, bruxism is defined as a repetitive activity of masticatory muscles characterized by grinding or clenching of teeth and/or tension jaw thrust.
Classifications of bruxism
Bruxism is part of the parafunctional habits and can be classified according to the type of movement and the period of the day in which it occurs. It is distinguished in:
1 - static bruxism (clenching), characterized by the clenching of teeth;
2 - dynamic bruxism (grinding), ie the grinding of the arches.
In addition, we talk about diurnal bruxism when the frame or grinding occurs during daylight hours, while it is called nocturnal bruxism when the problem occurs at night.
What are the causes of bruxism?
A systematic review has shown that the prevalence of subjects suffering from bruxism is between 8 and 31.4%. But what are the causes?
The causes of teeth grinding and clenching are still unclear but there are certainly many factors involved. For several years it was thought that bruxism was caused by a malocclusion, but recent studies have denied this theory. Psycho-social factors certainly play a particularly important role. Anxiety and stress predispose to diurnal bruxism.
Drugs and bad habits can also affect teeth grinding. Some antidepressants or antipsychotics, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine have been shown to be closely related to nocturnal bruxism. Likewise, even insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are found that are easily found in patients with this disorder.
It can be concluded that there is no univocal criterion on how the grinding of teeth and the frame develop.
The characteristic features of tooth clenching
The clenching has several points in common with the grinding of the teeth but differs in some aspects:
- The teeth of the lockers are not worn;
- Muscle exertion is even more pronounced than grinding, causing even intense muscle pain during the day;
- The clenching determines a deepening of the pits in the dental elements;
- Periodontal manifestations such as gum recessions are frequent, up to dental mobility.
Bruxism therapy: here is how to solve the problem
Unfortunately, a therapy that removes the cause does not yet exist. The only existing remedy for teeth grinding and fixation is palliative in nature and is represented by the splint.
The bite is a removable resin device that is generally positioned on the upper arch and eliminates the harmful effects of bruxism. By distributing the contacts of the teeth on the bite it will help the relaxation of the masticatory muscles by attenuating all the symptoms such as headache, soreness, and pain.In addition, the jaw will be free to skate on the resin preventing the teeth from being worn out further.
It is essential that the splint is planned and designed by a dentist, absolutely avoiding those preformed present at the supermarket or pharmacy. Using the latter it is likely that there is no improvement in the symptoms, or that there may be an aggravation of the same.
Containment of risk factors
In addition to the use of the guard, surely a valid help is represented by the elimination of all risk factors. Intervening on the psycho-emotional component and on the spoiled habits is of fundamental importance. Therefore it is recommended:
- Do not take caffeinated drinks in the evening hours;
- Avoid smoking and alcohol;
- Perform sporting activities in order to relax the muscles;
- Do not chew gum.
By showing themselves unconsciously, people with bruxism can suffer considerable damage. Identifying the problem promptly is essential to minimize harmful consequences.
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DISCLAIMER
The Content above even if the above information is written or supervised by a professional in dentistry. A physical examination is a procedure by which the dentists investigate the oral cavity of patients for signs of disease. -- Together with the medical history, the physical examination aids in determining the correct diagnosis and devising the treatment plan. -- Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition
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