Dr. Bismad Kaur
Bruxism is the disorder or condition in which a person grind or clench their teeth. According to some statistics or studies nearly half of the world population occasionally clench or grind their teeth. Further, around 25-30 percent of the children grind their teeth. One out of every 15-20 person of clenching cases could pose a serious threat.
There is a myth that Bruxism is a mysterious killer that is very harmful to teeth, surrounding chewing apparatus and general health.
The term Bruxism is used to describe gnashing or grinding of the teeth that occur without a functional purpose like chewing and swallowing.
There are two types of Bruxism:
1. Awake Bruxism or Diurnal Bruxism – Clenching or grinding of teeth that occurs during day time. This type of bruxism occurs more commonly in females than males. Bruxism during day time is commonly a semi voluntary clenching. It can be associated with stress, increases familial responsibilities and under work load.
2. Sleep Bruxism – Clenching or grinding of teeth that occurs during sleep either during daytime or at night is called sleep bruxism. There is no gender prediction and it can occur either in males or females with equal prediction. Its onset is about one year soon after the milk teeth erupts. It occurs most commonly in children and prevalence is 14-20 percent.
Various causes of Bruxism
1. Stress and Tension
2. Increased workload
3. Social factors like Increased familial responsibilities
5. Drug use
6. Side effects of anti-depressants
7. Bad diet
8. Sleeping problems
10. Over ambitious person
Why does Bruxism occur?
1. Due to sleep disturbances: Due to sudden response in the depth of sleep i.e. When a person shifts to a light sleep stage or wakes up suddenly from a deep sleep. It is accompanied by increase in heart rate, respiratory rate, increased muscular activity and body movements.
2. Neurotransmitters: Certain chemicals in the brain or neurotransmitters are also involved in clenching of teeth
1. Wear of teeth
2. Increased sensitivity to hot or cold
3. Pain in the teeth
4. Cracks in the teeth
5. Mobility of teeth
6. Gum problems such as pyorrhea
7. Migraine and headache
8. Cervical or Lumbar pain
9. Pain in muscles
10. Pain in jaw joint or TMJ
Psychiatric factors need to be evaluated first and the root cause of bruxism is treated. In case of depression or anxiety the antidepressants are usually given.
Occlusal adjustments or teeth grinding is the first choice of treatment that will be performed by your dentist. Some of the cases benefit from such treatment.
Involuntary activities that occur during sleep mostly require night guard or splints by your dentists. Silicon splints can also be given though hard splints are more commonly used.
If your child is suffering from such problem, kindly consult your Pediatric dentist. For more details contact the doctors at Texla Dental Hospital.