The Reasons and Solutions for Bruxism

Bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders. Fortunately for most people bruxism is mild enough to not be an issue. However for some people the clenching and grinding of their teeth can wear the enamel down and even cause some teeth to collapse if already decayed. Bruxism involves the muscles in the jaw and can result in jaw and facial pain, headaches, tinnitus, as well as sensitive teeth and receding gums.

The causes of bruxism can be varied. It could be a traumatic experience, a period of stress, or perhaps a medical problem. Bruxism is a habit and once the original cause has gone the bruxism may continue.

Unfortunately there is no cure for bruxism. The possible treatments commonly used are dental guards, biofeedback, and Botox. Dental guards allow the person to naturally clench and grind as they want to. The dental guards work by protecting the teeth with a layer of material that covers all the surfaces.

Dental guards range from over-the-counter plastic devices customized plastic devices provided by a dentist and at the top end are tailor-made chrome cobalt alloy devices (Somnowell) provided by a dentist and individually designed by a specialist.

Biofeedback devices are designed to give an undesirable sensation in response to bruxism in the hope that it will reduce further bruxism. These range from headbands that deliver an electric shock or a sound. To oral devices that twist the front teeth or deliver a bad taste into the mouth.

The use of Botox involves repeated injection of Botox into the main muscle responsible for the clenching and grinding. The effects last for a few months and need to be repeated.

If the teeth have been damaged by bruxism they may need to be repaired with new crowns. The crowns themselves will then need to be protected from damage caused by bruxism. A dental guard will protect the artificial teeth in the same way it protects the natural teeth.