Bruxism

Bruxism.

Amidst the fancy name – its commonly called teeth clenching or when you are constantly grind your jaw. Usually this activity is due in major part to stress or sometimes anxiety. We may have all just at this point in time become conscious of whether we are clenching our teeth or not. When this action is going on though, many of us are really not aware that we are clenching our jaw.

In other conditions, it may be as a result of sleep apnea, crooked teeth or even abnormal bite. Further to this – Bruxism – happens to a lot of persons as they are asleep.

Sleep Bruxism – which is the action as an individual sleeps, is quickly identified by our dentists – as there is that dull pain or even damaged enamel. Many times the teeth are flattened or impacted, chipped or even loose. The enamel may become so worn that deeper layers of the tooth is exposed and this also increases our sensitivity in our gums and even tooth pain.

When this occurs on a regular basis, it is actually time to seek professional help.  Of course, many of us like a bit of do-it-yourself care and there are a few things that you can do, but the utmost is to hear from the professional.

Self care may include:

• Application of Ice to the jaw area – to sooth the soreness and pain
• Put a quick halt to eating hard candy and similar tough and brittle foods
• Get plenty of rest & relaxation – Try Yoga | Get Adequate & Restful Sleep
• Reduce Your Stress Levels – Meditation
• Avoid Some Stimulants – e.g Alcohol and Caffeine
• Avoid Chewing Gum – As this action continues the habit

This is just a quick coping mechanism until you seek your professional help.

There is emerging research that it is as a result of a disturbance trigger – generally a sleep disturbance in the Central Nervous System, in our bodies. There are a number of treatments for teeth grinding. Using a mouth guard or mouth splint reduces the sensation of clenching or grinding your teeth. They also help reduce pain and prevent tooth wear, as well as protecting against further damage.

Other treatments include muscle-relaxation exercises and sleep hygiene.

We all want that picture perfect model smile that we see in those ads, and we’ve been eating all of the right foods…getting our 6 month check and yet – not quite getting there. However do your partner or friends ask you why do you keep grinding your teeth, then that is just one more reason.

“Sometimes nothing more than our smile can be a turn on or off…”

Consider this. Just by rolling your shoulders – when you are sitting or standing and completing that circular motion will help your feel more relaxed. This in turn makes you a bit less inclined to grind your teeth. It is also a good stress release. This form is just one way to aid you as you manage your Bruxism.