Teeth Grinding: How To Stop

Bruxism or teeth grinding is considered a sleep disorder when a person is experiencing it chronically and often leads to possible complications. Bruxism happens when a person is clenching their teeth forcefully during sleep or even when awake. Old and young people can both experience bruxisms although it is commonly seen among children especially during sleep. Some complications associated with bruxism are aspiration of blood during sleep and tooth loss.

Usually, bruxisms can be subtle and don’t have to be a big concern. Although in some cases, bruxism may be a big problem because it happens so frequent that a person can experience complications. Such bruxisms are very strong and can cause fractures to the jaws and even loss of teeth. Headaches may also occur because of the very strong force in teeth clenching. Studies have shown that stress is the causative factor for this occurrence.

Bruxism is common among children; however, there are adults who have bruxism but do not know of the condition unless major complications happen. Usually, bruxism is discovered after the occurrence of complications. That is also the time wherein necessary interventions are done to treat the problem of bruxism.

Medical professionals have found out that bruxism is common among people who are unable to cope with stress and anxiety. Through bruxism, people who are anxious and stressed out are able to express these feelings. When a person is sleeping, the body is in a relaxed state. Hence, if the person sleeps with anxiety the body tends to release stress, causing bruxisms.

Chronic bruxism is harmful and therefore needs to be treated promptly. Chronic bruxism could lead to a fracture of the jaws and even tooth loss. Because of this, a person who teeth grinds at sleep may even need dentures to replace lost teeth. A consultation to the dentist can help in detecting signs of bruxism. Dentists carefully check on your jaw for tenderness and teeth for any abnormalities.

Once a dentist confirms that a person is a bruxer, a mouth gag or mouth block is often advised for the patient to use in order to prevent complications associated with it. Upon consultation of the dentist, it is therefore advised to consult a physician. Physicians would then prescribe some medications to prevent complications associated with forceful teeth clenching.

In order to avoid bruxism, a person should learn how to cope effectively with stress. Stress is inevitable and people always face it every day; therefore, one should learn how to handle stress properly in order to overcome it. When a person is having difficulties in coping with stress, as psychologist or a psychiatrist can be of great help. Patients will undergo some behavior modification therapies and other relaxation techniques in order to relieve stress and be able to overcome it.

Bruxers are also advised to lessen their consumption of caffeinated foods and beverages such as coffee, colas, and chocolate. Alcohol consumption is also not advised because grinding is intensified after drinking alcohol. If you are a bruxer, you should train yourself to avoid clenching your teeth. This will help you control your bruxism because if you are used to clench your teeth especially if you are experiencing anxiety then most likely you will also experience bruxism during your sleep.