What exactly is Bruxism?
Bruxism, for those not in the know of things, is an oral parafunctional activity which happens to a lot many people at some stage or another of their lives. The two primary features of this disease are grinding of teeth and clenching of the jaw. At most times, these symptoms occur when a person is asleep. This condition is not at all related to functions like eating or talking. It is also reported to be a common enough issue – it afflicts about eight to thirty-one percent of the general population.
Other symptoms linked with Bruxism include hypersensitive teeth, aching jaw muscles, headache, tooth wear and tear and damage to dental restorations like crowns and fillings.
Different types of Bruxism
The first type occurs when a person is asleep and the second one is during the period when one is awake. In the first category, the symptoms may aggravate when one is awake and then become better as the day progresses. In the second category, there may be no symptoms at all when one awakens. However, they occur as the day progresses. Awake Bruxism is reported to occur more in females. Asleep Bruxism happens in both genders, equally.
Diagnosis of Bruxism
This, at most times, involves the exclusion of dental diseases, temporomandibular disorder, and the rhythmic jaw movements which occur with seizure disorders like epilepsy. Electroencephalography provides the answer to problems related to seizures. Polysomnography shows the heightened masseter and temporalis muscular functions during sleep. This may include electroencephalography, electromyography, electrocardiography, air flow monitoring and audio-video recording.
Treatment for Bruxism
This primarily includes repairing of damage to teeth. Bruxism is not life threatening condition, and neither has any given treatment reportedly given best results. It is suggested that very conservative treatment be given which carries very fewer risks. If the Bruxist has to undergo any dental restorations, they have to be very strong so that any jaw clenching or grinding will not disturb them. Occlusal splints or dental guards are prescribed for this condition. However, these may are not effective in events of awake bruxism since they are worn only while a person is a night of sleep. Occlusal splints may be useful in cutting down on teeth wear and tear since they provide some cover to them. However, they will not reduce the bruxism clenching and be grinding itself.
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