Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment
Tuscumbia, AL
 While occasional teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, might not cause concern, chronic or severe teeth grinding can lead to various dental and health issues. There are several reasons why people grind their teeth, ranging from stress and anxiety to misaligned teeth and sleep disorders.
According to the NHS, one of the most common causes of teeth grinding is stress and anxiety. Many people clench or grind their teeth as a subconscious response to stress, tension, or nervousness. This often occurs during the day, and people might not even realize they are doing it. Stress can trigger muscle tension in the jaw, leading to teeth clenching.
Another common cause of teeth grinding is misaligned teeth or an improper bite (malocclusion). When the upper and lower teeth do not align properly, it can lead to excessive pressure on certain teeth, causing them to grind against each other. Over time, this can wear down the enamel and lead to tooth damage.
From custom-made mouth guards to relaxation techniques, Singing River Dentistry offers a range of effective treatments designed to alleviate bruxism symptoms and protect your teeth from further damage.
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Sleep Bruxism vs. Awake Bruxism
As the name says, sleep bruxism often occurs during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, particularly during the deeper stages. As for awake bruxism, it occurs during the day.
The good news is that both bruxism types can be alleviated with a few stress management techniques, such as:
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Deep Breathing
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Meditation
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Yoga
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Relaxation Exercises
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Mindfulness
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (Helps individuals identify and address negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies to manage stress more effectively.) |
It is essential to explore treatment options to manage bruxism effectively. Before we discuss them, let's take a brief look at how it is diagnosed.
Diagnosing Bruxism
Dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to diagnose bruxism. During a routine dental check-up, they may notice signs such as worn tooth surfaces, jaw tenderness, or other indications of teeth grinding. A physical examination of the jaw and surrounding muscles may reveal tenderness or signs of muscle fatigue.
In some cases, our Tuscumbia dentists may recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as electromyography (EMG) to measure muscle activity in the jaw, or polysomnography to monitor sleep patterns and muscle activity during sleep.
Differential Diagnosis
It's important to note that bruxism shares symptoms with other conditions, so a thorough differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other possible causes of tooth wear, jaw pain, and other symptoms. Conditions that may mimic bruxism include:
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Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
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Sleep disorders (Sleep Apnea)
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Tooth misalignment (Malocclusion)
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Stress-related facial muscle tension
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Side effects of certain medications |
Treatments for Bruxism
As mentioned at the start, chronic bruxism can lead to dental issues, such as fractured and loose teeth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, jaw pain, and gum recession. It can also cause severe headaches, earaches, and facial pain. These symptoms are often worse upon waking and may persist throughout the day, impacting quality of life.
Here's how to address bruxism:
Dental Devices
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Night Guards: These are custom-made night mouth guards worn during sleep to protect the teeth from grinding. Night guards create a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from contacting each other and minimizing damage.
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Occlusal Splints: Similar to night guards, occlusal splints are dental appliances that cover the biting surface of either the upper or lower teeth. They help reduce grinding by altering the jaw's position and providing a more comfortable biting surface. Ask your Tuscumbia dentist about these and other oral appliances that help with symptoms of sleep apnea. |
Medications
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Muscle Relaxants: Sometimes, your dentist might prescribe muscle relaxants to alleviate jaw muscle tension and reduce bruxism symptoms. However, these medications are typically used short-term due to their potential side effects and the risk of dependency. |
Dental Procedures
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Orthodontic Treatment: Misaligned teeth or bite issues can contribute to bruxism. Orthodontic interventions such as braces or Invisalign can correct dental misalignments, potentially reducing teeth grinding. |
Botox Injections
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Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Botox injections into the jaw muscles can temporarily weaken them, reducing the intensity of teeth grinding and associated jaw pain. However, Botox treatment for bruxism is considered off-label and may not be suitable for everyone. |
Biofeedback Therapy
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Electromyographic (EMG) Biofeedback: This therapy involves using sensors to monitor muscle activity in the jaw. Through visual or auditory feedback, people learn to recognize muscle tension and consciously relax their jaw muscles, helping to reduce bruxism episodes. |
Alternative Therapies
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Acupuncture: Some people find relief from bruxism symptoms through acupuncture. This Chinese medicine practice includes the use of needles that are inserted into specific body points to promote relaxation and alleviate pain.
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Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs, such as valerian root, chamomile, and passionflower, are believed to have calming effects and may help reduce stress-related bruxism. However, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness and safety for bruxism treatment. |
Lifestyle Changes
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Avoiding Stimulants: Cutting down on caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco consumption can help reduce bruxism, as these substances can exacerbate teeth clenching.
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Improving Sleep Hygiene: Creating a conducive sleep environment, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and practicing relaxation techniques before bedtime can improve sleep quality and reduce bruxism during the night. |
Managing Bruxism
While certain treatments can effectively manage bruxism and its symptoms, there's no universal cure. Bruxism may be influenced by various factors such as stress, genetics, and lifestyle habits, making it a condition that often requires ongoing management rather than a one-time fix.
Mouth guards primarily serve as a protective barrier, reducing the impact of bruxism on dental structures, which is why you still need to get a professional opinion.
Bruxism is an overlooked condition that can have significant implications for oral health. By raising awareness about its causes, symptoms, and consequences, we can empower patients to take steps toward managing bruxism and improving their quality of life. Remember, addressing bruxism requires a few permanent lifestyle changes and commitment to a sleep routine.
Schedule With Your Tuscumbia AL Today!
Our goal is not just to provide temporary relief but to help you manage bruxism effectively and prevent future complications, such as tooth wear, fractures, and TMJ disorders. Our team of skilled dentists has extensive experience diagnosing and treating bruxism, so you can trust that you are in good hands. Call 256-712-2240 today!
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