Bruxism Treatment

In medical terms, 'Bruxism' is the name given to a condition wherein, the affected person develops a habit of grinding, clenching and gnashing his/her teeth. Episodes of bruxism may also occur during the night while the person is sleeping and the condition occurs unconsciously. This is known as sleep bruxism. Mild cases of this disorder, as mentioned, get resolved on their own. However, some cases may lead to complications such as jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems. The condition may be more serious when it occurs unconsciously while sleeping, as the person may remain completely aloof to the damage that is being done. So, one of the most important aspects of bruxism treatment is to identify the different signs and symptoms of this condition.

Symptoms of Bruxism

The very first and prominent symptom of bruxism is teeth grinding or clenching, which may be noticed by the affected person's partner. This symptom is followed by the physical appearance of the teeth which would seem worn down, flattened, fractured or chipped. The person might experience an increased sensitivity in his tooth, apart from noticing worn tooth enamel and exposed deeper layers of tooth. Other symptoms which might indicate that a person is suffering from bruxism include frequent jaw pain or a feeling of tightness in jaw muscles, earache, headache, enlarged jaw muscles and facial pain. Due to the grinding, the affected person may also notice signs of chewed tissue inside of his/her cheek and indentations of his/her tongue.

Treatment Measures for Bruxism

Most kids have been observed to outgrow their problem of bruxism. However, those cases where the condition is showing no improvements, need to be addressed by a doctor. Bruxism in children and adults is treated with the help of mouth guard or protective dental appliance. These devices are not a cure though, however, they keep the teeth from damage due to the grinding. Going for customized devices from the dentist work well, as not all over-the-counter devices might be a proper fit. In adults, stress might be behind the development of the condition. So, getting aid of professional counseling, relaxation techniques and the like, is also an important method for treating bruxism. It also helps children, who might grind their teeth due to some kind of tension or fear. Talking to them about their fear or inducing a comfortable atmosphere before bed also helps. Inculcating proper teeth and jaw position, also helps in treating this condition. Try resting your tongue upward, keeping your teeth apart and lips closed. This helps in keeping the teeth from grinding and jaw from clenching. People can also benefit from getting involved in sessions of biofeedback [a training program in which a person is given information about physiological processes (heart rate or blood pressure) that is not normally available with the goal of gaining conscious control of them].

Usually, treating bruxism does not involve any medicines. However, for the jaw pain, the doctor might prescribe a muscle relaxant which must be taken before bedtime. Natural methods, when used in conjunction with what has been advised by the dentist, may also provide great deal of relief.

• Chew on some fruits or vegetables before going to sleep. This would be like an exercise for the mouth and gum and thus, it would help in reducing episodes of teeth grinding in sleep.
• Apply a warm washcloth around your face, before bed time. This helps in relaxing the jaw muscles and reduce the pain due to the grinding. A warm bath or a body massage also helps.
• Inculcate the habit of sleeping on your back. Sleeping on your sides, may aggravate the condition.
• Get a glass of warm milk or warm herbal tea, before going to bed. Most people have benefited by doing this.

Keep yourself aware about the symptoms, as described above and advise your partner to alert you whenever you are grinding your teeth in sleep or otherwise. Most importantly, follow the doctor's advice, and be conscious about your problem.