Bruxism is a medical condition in which there is unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Many people grind their teeth from time to time, especially during times of great stress. However
if occasional teeth grinding becomes a regular bad habit, we talk about bruxism. This phenomenon can occur either during the day, when it is often influenced by stress and other psychological
factors, or at night, which is called nocturnal bruxism and may be related to sleep disorders.
Causes of bruxism : The causes of bruxism are varied and include psychological stress, anxiety and
sleep disorders. Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine also increases the risk of teeth grinding.
Bruxism can also be a symptom of other neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's
disease or Huntington's disease. In some cases, genetic predisposition can also be an important cause.
Symptoms of bruxism : Symptoms include excessive tooth wear, increased tooth sensitivity, headaches, especially after waking up, stiffness of the chewing muscles and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Long-term bruxism can lead to serious problems, such as a disorder
temporomandibular joint (TMK).
Diagnosis of bruxism : Diagnosis begins with a thorough history and clinical examination.
Identifying bruxism can be difficult, as patients are often unaware of their condition.
However, an experienced dentist can recognize the typical signs of this disease. Thorough
a preventive inspection is therefore essential.
Treatment of bruxism : Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing further ones
damage to the teeth. The most common form of treatment is to wear a protective splint during the night, which should be precisely fitted to patients by their dentist. Stress reduction is also key, as is drug therapy to relieve muscle tension or anxiety, including muscle relaxants or antidepressants. Physical therapy including exercises to relax and strengthen the masticatory muscles can be effective in relieving symptoms.
Early recognition and intervention are key to successfully treating bruxism to prevent it
long-term damage and improved the overall quality of life of patients.
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