Watching For The Signs Of Bruxism

Bruxism is a very common condition, one that involves an involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth.A person may notice they have this problem overnight while they are sleeping when they wake up in the morning and have a sore jaw or they could even be clenching their teeth without even noticing during the day.  Bruxism is a condition that involves an involuntary clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth which can happen any time but usually occurs during sleep.  The condition is not considered as being extremely dangerous but it can cause pain and discomfort.

While bruxism is not life threatening it can cause serious problems, everything from chipped to missing teeth, infections and a lot more.That includes wearing down of tooth enamel, chipped teeth, increased temperature sensitivity and even infection of the teeth and gums.  Anyone who thinks they may have bruxism should be watching for the signs of bruxism.Enlarged jaw muscles, chewed tissue on the inside of the cheek, chronic facial pain and indentations on the tongue are all common symptoms that are caused by bruxism.

The biggest problem with bruxism is that many people go for long periods of time without even knowing they have a problem at all.  Most people with a partner or who otherwise sleep in a bed with someone else will usually wake the other person up or have them notice their constant teeth grinding.People who are deep sleepers may not notice they are grinding down on their teeth unless someone else notices and lets them know.  Some people do not get too bothered by their bruxism symptoms and just let it be while others want to get treatment for their condition.

Stress management is one of the first treatments most doctors suggest, as stress is the main cause of bruxism.  They may advise you to begin speaking with a therapist or social worker and to start up relaxation exercises like yoga and meditation.  Yoga and meditation are two exercises in particular that work well for relieving stress.  Dental approaches may also be involved with the purpose of protecting the teeth from damage.

Mouth guards are often custom made to fit the mouth and will help protect the teeth while you are sleeping.  Medication is rarely prescribed but does work in severe cases, and that includes muscle relaxants and sometimes anti anxiety medications to help the person relax.A muscle relaxant or even some anti anxiety medication may be used to help the person feel calmer and settle off to sleep easier.  Muscle relaxants are used to keep the muscles of the jaw relaxed.

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