LIVING WITH BRUXISM
Bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders. It is more common in children, adolescents, and young adults than middle-aged and older adults. Many people are unaware that they have sleep bruxism since the symptoms normally do not develop until later; or they misattribute existing symptoms such as poor sleep quality, which is actually a result of unconscious neuromuscular activity. Bruxism can cause jaw pain, tooth fractures, headaches, and temporomandibular disorders, as well as muscle problems in the jaw and joints that can inhibit chewing, cause clicking noises, and restrict the range of motion of the jaw/mouth. Severe cases can lead to arthritis of the temporomandibular joints.
Other key symptoms include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and insomnia. If the noise bothers a sleeping partner relationship problems may develop.
In cases where bruxism leads to temporomandibular joint disorder, patients may experience prolonged pain in the jaw and temporomandibular joints, difficulty or pain while chewing, and even difficulty moving the jaw at all.
Effects of poor sleep are even more varied as they may cause memory issues, mood changes, trouble with thinking and difficulty in concentration, high blood pressure, weakened immunity, a higher risk of diabetes, and significant weight gain.
Living
with bruxism
When Should You See a Doctor About Bruxism While Sleeping?
Treatments for Sleep Bruxism
Bruxism refers to the involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth. This grinding occurs when a person is sleeping and is known as sleep bruxism. Sleep bruxism affects people of all ages; however, it is most common in children, teenagers, and young adults.
If you are experiencing discomfort in your mouth, jaw, or neck as a result of grinding your teeth, consult your doctor or dentist. Sleep bruxism can be harmful to your oral health and sleep quality, and seeing a doctor can help you avoid more serious issues down the road.
A combined approach to the treatment of sleep bruxism can be used in order to control pain and other symptoms while also reducing the intensity of teeth grinding and its possible side effects.
Traditional treatments include braces, crowns, and oral surgery to straighten the teeth, as well as modifications to the chewing surface of the teeth to help them align correctly. When bruxism is caused by stress, worry, or depression, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants or Botox injections to help relieve myofascial pain.