Reason for jaw clenching. Bruxism in adults: a harmless condition or a dangerous problem

Another name for this phenomenon is teeth grinding. This is non-functional chronic clenching of the teeth, grinding them at night or constantly clenching the teeth during the day. Parafunction of the masticatory muscles may result from contraction or spasm of the temporalis or masseter muscles. The disease is accompanied by a complete disappearance or reduction of the interocclusal space with relative rest.

Bruxism is often neurogenic in nature; this disease is also observed with poorly fitted dentures, malocclusion, allergies, etc. If parafunction of the masticatory muscles is observed in children, this may be a consequence of childbirth. intracranial injury or helminth intoxication. Bruxism is characterized by pain in the temporomandibular joint, face, noise and ringing in the ears, increased excitability, mental and sleep disorders. The consequences of parafunction of the masticatory muscles can be pathological abrasion of teeth, arthrosis of the temporomandibular joints, malocclusion, and periodontitis.

When examined by a dentist, the disease is difficult to detect, but difficult cases patients experience caries, dentin wear, inflammatory processes in periodontal tissues. This is a consequence of spastic contractions of the jaw.

There are two forms of bruxism:

Bruxomania (daytime bruxism) - the patient experiences teeth grinding in daytime, Thumb sucking, lip biting and abnormal jaw position are also observed. One of the accompanying manifestations of parafunction of the masticatory muscles is very short-cut fingernails and the desire to place something under them.
Nocturnal bruxism has many negative consequences. The jaw suffers from excessive tension, teeth are ground down and injured. With bruxism, the load on the jaw is 10 times greater than normal loads when chewing.

According to statistics, teeth grinding occurs in 1-3 people out of a hundred. Due to the difficulty of identifying the root causes of the disease, its treatment is still limited challenging task in dentistry. Treatment methods depend on the degree, form and nature of parafunction of the masticatory muscles. For the effectiveness of treatment, it is also important how timely the disease can be diagnosed.

Causes of Bruxism

There is an opinion that the parafunction of the masticatory muscles is a rudiment that remains from distant ancestors; they sharpened the teeth by clenching the jaw. If we look at this issue from the point of view depth psychology, then jaw clenching and teeth grinding are the consequences of subconscious complexes and lack of fulfillment. A person in a dream tenses up, gets angry, clenches his teeth. With the help of jaw tension, aggression that has accumulated due to the stress of everyday life is repressed.

Treatment of parafunction of masticatory muscles

To treat the disease, patients receive special Botox injections into the jaw muscles. However, the most effective method of preventing teeth grinding is night guards. These are special plates made of bioplastic. They are worn on the teeth during night sleep and protect them from abrasion during night attacks. The consequences and degree of manifestation of “teeth grinding” largely depend on the prevention of the first signs of tension.

Added 02/09/2012

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WHY CLEAN YOUR TEETH?

Jaw clenching in animals is important protective reflex, which allows you not only to tear apart food, but also to defend yourself from predators. It is believed that in the process of evolution it was inherited by humans. Therefore, jaw tension is the first reaction to stress in young children. Normally, as you grow older, new, more suitable methods response to unpleasant influences, and the child clenches his jaw less and less often. But about 20% of people have an inherited overactivity of neurons in the masticatory center in the brain. Their clenching of teeth is a psychosomatic reaction, a way to release nervous tension through the actions of the body. At the same time, people do not even realize that they are straining their jaws. Not everyone is able to admit: I clench my teeth hard.

When a patient comes to us with hyperfunction of the masticatory muscles, we ask him whether he clenches his teeth during the day or grinds his teeth at night, and he, as a rule, answers that he does not. And then we let him go for a week with the task: to record his
pay attention to the position of the lower jaw throughout the day. Imagine their shock when they come back a week later and say that indeed their teeth were clenched all the time!

WHAT IS THE DANGER?

The problem is not only in the jaw clenching itself, but also in the conditions in which it most often occurs.

People with bruxism, or overuse of the masticatory muscles, tend to have high levels of anxiety. Constant clenching of the jaws leads to dental problems, primarily to abrasion of tooth enamel. A common complication of bruxism is headache. People commonly describe this pain, caused by tension in the head muscles, as resembling a “helmet” or “hula hoop.” In addition, constant tension in the masticatory muscles causes dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, which can also lead to constant pain.

Aesthetic problems also arise. Hypertrophy of the masticatory muscle provokes hypertrophy of the angle of the lower jaw, that is bone tissue.

This happens because muscles attach to protrusions of bone, and the larger the muscle grows, the bulkier the bone associated with it becomes. That's why bottom part the person's face becomes wide, massive, ponderous. The corners of the mouth look drooping, and sagging areas of skin - jowls - quickly form.

DOCTORS WILL HELP

When a patient comes to us and claims that I clench my teeth too much, we conduct special tests to assess the state of the nervous system. We give you brux checkers - pads that need to be placed on your teeth before going to bed. Impressions remain on them, allowing you to evaluate the activity of the masticatory muscles during the night. The deeper the impression, the stronger the person clenched his jaw. Some patients with bruxism return such systems to us with holes in them, although it is difficult to bite through them.

In severe cases, we refer you to polysomnography - a night sleep study that allows you to objectively document the activity of the masticatory muscles. While awake, we can conduct surface electromyography of the masticatory muscles - recording their electrical activity using electrodes installed on the skin of the face.

We also do an orthopantomogram ( panoramic shot teeth) to exclude dentofacial pathology and evaluate signs of bone tissue hypertrophy in the area of the angles of the lower jaw.

And based on the results of all these studies, we decide on therapy.

First of all, we make a special splint (mouthguard) for a person, which is installed on the lower jaw. A person sleeps in it and spends 1-2 hours during the day. The mouthguard prevents the jaws from closing and serves as an obstacle. In addition, when wearing a mouthguard, the masticatory muscles are stretched, and the spasm gradually goes away. We also ask the patient to pay attention to the position of the jaw (when a person is silent, the lips are closed, but the jaws should be open) in order to try to unlearn the habit of clenching the jaw. In addition, we evaluate psycho-emotional state a person, because teeth clench precisely against the background of stress. In this case, anti-anxiety, neurotropic drugs, and vitamins may be prescribed. Sometimes consultations with a psychoanalyst are recommended - after resolution of psycho-emotional problems and intrapersonal conflicts the problem of overactivity of the masticatory muscles may disappear.

If all these methods do not bring significant success, we move on to the second stage of therapy - these are injections of botulinum toxin Tin A. The same substance is used to treat hyperhidrosis, migraines and smooth out wrinkles. In this case, we inject it into the masticatory muscle. In this case, the chewing function is preserved, but the ability to clench the teeth is temporarily reduced. And again, we ask patients to remember this state well, when the muscles are relaxed, in order to learn how to reproduce it in the future.

On average, we give injections once a year. For most people, 2-3 injections are enough, then the person himself will wean himself from the habit of clenching his teeth. By the way, this can be seen when former patient a year later he comes into the office: if the hypertrophy of the masticatory muscle goes away, the hypertrophy of the bone tissue goes away, and the volume of the lower half of the face decreases. There is a feeling that the person has lost weight. The improvements are not only visual: they are confirmed by repeated orthopantomogram data.

Causes of the disease

According to psychologists, stress, neurosis, and depression can provoke the onset of the disease. In this state, a person’s facial and temporomandibular muscles are tense, and their teeth are clenched tightly. During the day, the pathology is still controllable, but in sleep it manifests itself as teeth grinding. Under stress, this phenomenon is periodic. With neuroses, which are the result of prolonged nervous tension, bruxism manifests itself more often and more painfully in adults. The cause and treatment in this case are obvious. It is necessary to stabilize the emotional state of a person.

Bruxism in adults may indicate the presence of complexes on a subconscious level. Perhaps a person cannot decide something in life, and this becomes the cause of anger and internal tension. It is possible that this problem is the result of repressed aggression. A well-mannered person does not allow himself to throw out his emotions, he pushes problems inside, which finds a way out during sleep and manifests itself in the night grinding.

Bruxism can be observed in a person who suffers from sleepwalking, apnea, or sometimes the patient is simply tormented by nightmares. Teeth grinding can be accompanied by serious disruptions in the functioning of the nervous system.

Dental problems, such as malocclusion, uncomfortable dentures or braces, or poorly installed fillings, can also provoke the development of a disease such as bruxism in adults. The cause and treatment in this case are determined by the dentist.

The development of the disease can be triggered by a brain tumor or injury, vitamin deficiency, bad habits, addiction to antidepressants, sleeping pills, and hereditary factors also play an important role.

Signs of the disease

The most important sign of bruxism is loud grinding of teeth during sleep. This lasts for several seconds or minutes and can be repeated several times during the night. The attack begins suddenly. The disease may be accompanied by anxiety and tension, eating disorders, insomnia, and irritability. This phenomenon often accompanies stress and depression.

In addition, a person suffering from bruxism may experience headaches, ear pain, increased tooth sensitivity and the formation of cracks in them, pain in the facial muscles and jaw joints.

Diagnostics

You should first contact your dentist with this problem. Based on the patient’s complaints and examination of the teeth, a diagnosis of “bruxism” is made. The causes and treatment of this pathology are interrelated.

It may be necessary to conduct a polysomnographic study, which can be used to record a spasm of the masticatory muscles of a sleeping person to exclude epilepsy as the cause of the spasm.

Treatment

With a disease such as bruxism, it is difficult to establish the causes, and therefore, to get rid of it unpleasant phenomenon quite problematic, but still real. The main goal of treating nighttime teeth grinding is to relax the masticatory muscles.

Bruxism in children often goes away on its own. Adults need to pay special attention to treatment. It will be more successful if the problem is detected in the early stages.

The patient needs to wean himself from the habit of clenching his teeth and grinding them under nervous tension, and in a state of excitement, control his chewing movements. Positive effect provides psychotherapy that helps identify and understand conflict, teaches how to cope with everyday difficulties. To get rid of stress, it is recommended to walk a lot before bed, read books, listen to relaxing music. Can be taken sedative fees, which are sold in pharmacies, it is permissible to prepare them yourself. To reduce muscle spasm activity during sleep, it is recommended to take medications that contain calcium, magnesium and B vitamins.

The most effective treatments

These methods include the use of a mouthguard, which is selected individually and prevents the abrasion of tooth enamel. In severe cases, it is recommended to use plastic splints - special linings on the teeth that prevent damage. Such devices help reduce the activity of the masticatory muscles.

Mandibular thrusters are successfully used for diseases such as bruxism. What is it? This is a device in the form of two overlays on the teeth, on springs. And they use it mainly to get rid of snoring, but it also copes well with such a problem as teeth grinding in sleep. With the help of such a device, the jaw and tongue are maintained in an extended position, which helps facilitate breathing. Botox is sometimes used to treat bruxism.

Kappa for bruxism

Night bruxism, unlike daytime bruxism, cannot be controlled. In this case, special night guards are used for treatment. The device is placed on the teeth before going to bed, which protects them from abrasion.

The mouth guard is made to individual sizes. During a night attack, all the pressure falls on this device, which allows you to preserve tooth enamel and protect orthopedic structures. Using a mouthguard allows you to avoid the displacement of teeth, which constantly rub against each other and become loose. Of course, the orthodontic device does not eliminate the cause of the disease, but it protects the teeth from damage. Therefore, its use is only part of complex therapy.

Making a mouth guard

For the manufacture of mouth guards, special two-layer materials are used. For maximum gum comfort, the inside of the device is made soft. The hard exterior ensures the durability of this fixture.

The device is made to individual sizes, which ensures greater efficiency. This product will not slip or fall out during sleep and will provide protection from excessive pressure on the teeth.

Caring for your mouthguard is not difficult. In the morning you need to rinse it with water from the inside. The outer part is cleaned with a toothbrush. To store the product, use a special case or glass of water. The device must be shown to the dentist from time to time. He will assess the condition of the mouthguard and, if necessary, recommend making a new one.

How to help yourself

A diagnosis of bruxism may come as a surprise to a person. What it is and how to relieve symptoms is of interest to many. You can try to get rid of jaw muscle tension with a warm, damp compress or, conversely, ice.

Massage of the face, neck and shoulder girdle, as well as relaxing gymnastics, also work well. During the massage, focus on pain points, when pressed, painful sensations radiate to the head or face.

Learn to relax as much as possible before bed, avoid stress. You can try drinking soothing teas or taking warm baths before bed. At night, you can chew something hard or at least chewing gum - this tires you out and at the same time soothes your muscles while you rest. Avoid foods rich in caffeine and carbohydrates, which cause stimulation in the body. Walk more fresh air, go in for sports.

Bruxism in children: cause and treatment

At emotional stress, nervous overstrain, neurological disorders Bruxism may occur in children. What is it and is treatment needed? This question worries many parents. If the disease is caused by disorders of the nervous system, a neurologist will help.

Bruxism in children may disappear on its own with age. In case of malocclusion or abnormal structure of the dentition, orthodontic treatment may be necessary.

If the causes of bruxism in children lie in overexcitation and stress, it is necessary proper organization daily routine. The baby benefits from active walks in the fresh air. Offer to your child solid food, which will help reduce the hyperactivity of the masticatory muscles. Before going to bed, it is necessary to exclude noisy games, massage and a warm bath are useful.

Parents should be alerted severe attacks that continue long time. After them, as a rule, the child complains of a severe headache or toothache. There may be other unpleasant consequences of a disease such as bruxism in children. The cause and treatment in this case are determined by a specialist.

How dangerous is the disease?

Grinding your teeth in your sleep leads to abrasion of the enamel, loosening, tooth loss, headaches, unpleasant sensations in the neck and masticatory muscles. Some people experience thickening of the lower and lower bones. upper jaw, which is noticeable visually. A person suffering from bruxism experiences psychological discomfort, which affects the quality of life.

In children and young people, the disease often goes away on its own without causing any consequences. Treatment in such cases is not required.

Traditional methods of treatment

Bruxism in adults, the causes of which are frequent stress and nervous tension, can be successfully treated using traditional methods aimed at normalizing the emotional state.

In frequent stressful situations, it is recommended to perform a relaxing facial massage. Yoga classes help relieve nervous tension. Baths with aromatic oils or soothing herbs (chamomile, valerian, mint), teas are useful. You can make warm herbal lotions that help relieve tension in the facial muscles. You need to keep this compress for a long time.

Forecast

It is quite difficult to get rid of the problem on your own. Self-medication can result in serious consequences. If you have a problem with bruxism, you should contact a dentist who will comprehensive diagnostics and will appoint effective treatment. If you follow all the recommendations, it is quite possible to get rid of the problem.

What is bruxism

Clenching your teeth while sleeping is called bruxism. The attack, during which the jaws clench tightly, friction occurs and grinding sounds, lasts from a few seconds to 10 minutes and is repeated periodically throughout the night. Usually the phenomenon is accompanied by changes in blood pressure, breathing problems, and increased heart rate.

Bruxism is observed in 50% of children; as they grow older, in most cases, teeth grinding at night stops. But it’s better to find out the reasons right away in order to avoid health problems in the future. In adults, the phenomenon is less common and is not considered an independent disease, but this is a clear signal that not everything is in order with the body.

There are two types of bruxism:

Day. It does not occur as often, it is easier to recognize. Periodically during the day, during tense moments, a spasm of the jaw occurs, which takes on an unusual, abnormal position. In most cases, self-control will help you cope with daytime bruxism.
Night. Much more dangerous, because during good sleep a person has no control over his actions.

At the time of an attack, pressure is applied to the jaw that is 10 times greater than the load during chewing.

Reason #1: Stress

Scientists from the University of Dusseldorf conducted a study involving 48 subjects and proved that the main cause of bruxism is stress. In sleep, the body rests, cleanses itself and gets rid of unnecessary information, and clenching the jaw, a person continues to experience the troubles of the day at night. Constant nervous tension - the right way to the development of this disorder.

Bad habits

The occurrence of bruxism can be triggered by lifestyle. Negative influence provide:

nicotine addiction;
drinking alcohol in large quantities;
excess daily value caffeine;
taking antidepressants.

Congenital anomalies

The reason may also be hidden in defects facial skeleton, for example in incorrect structure joints that connect temporal bone and lower jaw.

Neurology

Disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system provoke various sleep-related disorders, which are often accompanied by grinding teeth - apnea, somnambulism, nightmares, enuresis. Trismus and bruxism are also signs of damage to the trigeminal nerve, which causes tone of the masticatory muscles.

Dental reasons

Various problems in oral cavity can also lead to the development of bruxism:

malocclusion;
loss of some teeth;
braces;
dentures, veneers;
poorly placed fillings.

Theory about helminths

Symptoms

Teeth grinding at night is the first and surest sign of bruxism. But find out about it without outside help almost impossible. To independently identify the disease, you should pay attention to the condition of the enamel, to the presence of an increased reaction to sweets, hot or cold. There may be new holes, chips or no apparent reason damaged dentures. All this is indirect evidence of the development of a movement disorder.

There are a number additional signs which may indicate nocturnal bruxism:

throbbing pain in temples in the morning;
dizziness and ringing in the ears;
soreness of the jaw muscles;
constant feeling of fatigue, drowsiness;
discomfort in the sinuses;
restless sleep and frequent awakenings.

Treatment of bruxism

First, you need to identify the nature of bruxism, determine whether the problem relates to the dental field or has psychological causes. Based on the results, it is necessary to contact the right specialist as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences. Your doctor will tell you what to do first and how to get rid of the problem. The most common measures used in treatment:

Complete dental examination and treatment of all oral problems, including correction malocclusion.
The use of special mouthguards made individually according to the size of the patient’s jaw. With their help, teeth are protected from injury, but they cannot completely get rid of the problem.
Injections minimum quantity Botox. It prevents the jaws from clenching tightly, partially paralyzing the muscles of the mouth.
Apply soothing warm compresses before bed.
Taking medications and vitamin-mineral complexes, including magnesium, calcium, B vitamins.
Minimizing stressful situations, allocating time during the day for rest and walks.
Limit heavy food intake in the evening. This will promote muscle relaxation and healthy sleep.

If detected serious pathology jaw, perhaps surgical intervention, such as plastic surgery of the articular disc, or the use of laser therapy.

Special exercises and massage

Exercises and self-massage will help in the treatment of bruxism:

Squeezing your jaw with your palms below on both sides, you need to press lightly with your fingers, massaging it in a circular motion. It is advisable to repeat such manipulations, which help relieve tension from the problem area, every day for at least 2-3 minutes.
Chin muscle training. With your mouth slightly open, you need to push your jaw back with your fingers. The procedure is repeated several times during the day, at least 10 times in 1 approach.
Chewing gum exercise. You need to roll the chewing gum balls from one corner of your mouth to the other. It is better to do this before going to bed, until you feel tired in the muscles, then the likelihood that your jaw will be clenched tightly in your sleep will sharply decrease.

Diagnosis of bruxism

The unconsciousness of the manifestation of bruxism means that during the day while awake, involuntarily grinding teeth or at night in a dream, a person does not control this process. But during the day you can hear this sound yourself and interrupt the action. At night, only loved ones can stop this painful action and unpleasant sound by waking up the grinding person.

Attention! There is a popular method for diagnosing bruxism or Carolini phenomenon - EMG (electromyography). Sensors are connected to the patient's head to record the activity of the oral muscles.

Before going for a diagnosis, you can identify some signs of bruxism yourself. Regular grinding of teeth during sleep sooner or later manifests itself:

Not so obvious, but can be caused by bruxism - tinnitus, pain and clicking when opening the mouth, neck pain, jaw numbness, headache, lack of sleep, weakness.

Bruxism and its consequences for human health

Important! Grinding of teeth in sleep - bruxism or ondoterism, if repeated for a long time, affects the health of the person suffering from it. First of all, the layer of enamel on the teeth becomes thinner and wears out, which leads to their hypersensitivity and caries.

Several years of bruxism and teeth can wear down, become loose, painful sensations appear in the jaw muscles, and clicking sounds appear when chewing and swallowing food. Teeth grinding can result in night snoring or apnea, this threatens possible respiratory arrest. Doctors believe that prolonged bruxism can cause mental problems over time.

Grinding of teeth in a dream is associated with the fact that even in sleep the nervous system is under tension, the body is unable to fully relax and rest. Another indirect consequence of bruxism is that loved ones also suffer from unpleasant loud sounds, who also cannot get a good night’s sleep.

Causes of bruxism in adults

Sometimes grinding teeth in a dream is considered a continuation of the bad habit of gnawing something during excitement - nails, the tip of a pen or pencil. But the main cause is stress. Natural human reaction to strong excitement, excessive brain activity, taking certain drugs: caffeine, amphetamines, alcohol, emotional overexcitement means clenching your teeth. So a person tries to restrain the rushing excitement until his jaws creak. This phenomenon may also be associated with problems in the oral cavity - malocclusion, incorrectly designed orthopedic structures, lack of teeth. Teeth grinding at night and during the day can be a consequence of insomnia, when a person sleeps too lightly or often wakes up, a symptom of Parkinson's disease.

Important! The cause of bruxism in adults and children at night and during the day has nothing to do with the appearance of worms in the intestines.

How to get rid of teeth grinding

In adults, bruxism is treated by eliminating the main symptom – teeth grinding – using:

In parallel with the removal of symptoms, the cause of bruxism is determined. If we're talking about about a constant stressful situation, then a psychotherapeutic effect on the patient’s nervous system is used in order to relieve emotional stress, achieve complete relaxation, methods of auto-training and self-hypnosis.

If the problem is a malocclusion, the patient is sent to an orthodontist to correct it using braces or implantation. When it comes to the use of certain substances or drugs, you have to stop them, stop using them (for example, coffee, nicotine, alcohol) or find out the specific side effects of the drug in consultation with your doctor. Recommended for relieving symptoms of bruxism:

Restoration of tooth enamel, their appearance This is possible only after the symptoms of bruxism have been eliminated, otherwise this procedure will not make sense or will have to be repeated again.

Folk remedies

The fight against bruxism with folk remedies is aimed at eliminating its main cause - stress and tension in the nervous system.

Attention! For relaxation and stress relief traditional medicine uses decoctions medicinal herbs in the form of tea - chamomile, lemon balm, mint, valerian root.

Warm milk with a spoon of honey at night is very relaxing, soothing and promotes sound sleep. To eliminate the main cause of bruxism – nervous and emotional stress proven folk remedies are warm baths with aromatic oils, pine needles, sea salt, massage sessions, long vigorous walks before bed, airing the bedroom, cool air in it at night. Applying a warm, damp towel to your face before bed helps prevent teeth grinding at night. For a sound sleep, it is recommended to listen to calm music at night, read a light, or better yet, a boring book.

But the help of professionals is often irreplaceable. To reliably and permanently get rid of unpleasant symptoms bruxism, it is best to contact one of the Moscow dental clinics. Well equipped and staffed with competent specialists, they are able to provide qualified dental care any degree of complexity, completely solve the problem of teeth grinding.

Prevention of bruxism

Grinding your teeth in a dream is a signal that a certain malfunction has occurred in the body. To prevent such symptoms and learn to relax effectively, moderate physical activity is necessary, which brings “muscular joy” and promotes the release of endorphins, balanced diet with an increase in the amount of fruits, vegetables, nuts, a decrease in the amount of sweets, less stimulating drinks, positive emotions, good rest.
It is necessary to increase the stress resistance of the nervous system, use meditative practices, auto-training, self-hypnosis, and try to remain calm and have a positive perception of the world in difficult situations. Only if these simple rules You can not only overcome bruxism, but significantly improve the condition of the body as a whole, prevent many diseases, and strengthen the nervous system.

“My boyfriend grinds his teeth terribly at night, if I wake up, then falling asleep is not an option at all! There is creaking throughout the entire apartment. He doesn’t believe it himself…” (from comments).

Involuntary teeth grinding can occur both during the day and during sleep. Nocturnal bruxism is a more serious problem because it is more difficult to control.

Most people don't even realize that they are grinding their teeth while they sleep.

Some people learn about this from others who find unpleasant sounds disturbing their sleep.

Others are the result of a dental examination when it is discovered that their teeth and enamel are worn down. It is especially difficult for a single person to understand that he is a bruiser.

Knowing the symptoms of bruxism, you can early stage diagnose health problems and prevent them dangerous consequences, such as infection, gumboil and tooth loss.

Bruxism is

unconscious strong clenching of the jaws, not associated with the chewing function, is accompanied by grinding of teeth.

Neurologists put the phenomenon on a par with intractable parasomnias, such as snoring, sleepwalking, and nightmares. In their opinion, bruxism is similar to sleep talking and occurs against the background of aggressive dreams, or serves as a response to constant stress.

Compression of the jaw ligaments is an evolutionary instinct of homo sapiens, whose teeth serve as weapons against a rival or predator.

Jaw clenching modern man- this is, as a rule, a defensive reaction to problematic situations, an expression negative emotions: fear, anger, malice, hostility, disappointment, etc.

The term bruxomania (“La bruxomanie”, French) was first proposed at the beginning of the twentieth century by medical scientists M. Pietkiewicz, M. M. Marie, M. Karoly, who saw a connection between teeth grinding and destruction of the central nervous system.

Synonyms: occlusal neurosis, odonterism, bruxomania, “Karolyi effect”, parafunction of masticatory muscles.

Interesting fact: the phenomenon of bruxism is mentioned in the Old and New Testaments, in particular, where the phrase “weeping and gnashing of teeth” describes the fate of sinners in hell.

Do you grind your teeth in your sleep?

Signs of bruxism are numerous and may include:

Excessively worn flat or dull teeth (teeth) that are cracked or chipped.

Repeated damage to dentures (fillings, crowns).

Damaged tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers.

Indentations (imprints) of teeth in the tongue (“serrated” or “scalloped” tongue).

Tooth hypersensitivity (for example, when drinking cold liquids), caused by wear and tear of the insulating layer of dentin and enamel around the dental pulp.

Ear pain and stiffness in the temporomandibular joint, manifested painful sensations in front of the ear.

Tight, sore, or tired chewing muscles, which may get worse with chewing or other jaw movement.

Tooth pain.

Damage to the insides of the cheeks.

Stains on teeth.

Inflammation and recession of the gums (exposure of the tooth root), excessive tooth mobility.

Headache (craniofacial), especially in the temples, associated with the temporalis muscle.

Facial muscle pain (facial myalgia).

Tightness and stiffness in the shoulders.

Trismus is limited opening of the mouth due to spasm of the masticatory muscles.

The sound of teeth grinding is a serious disturbance to your neighbors' sleep.

Let's take a closer look at four of these symptoms.

Tooth wear,

caused by tooth-to-tooth contact is called abrasion. This is the most regular type tooth wear, which occurs with odonterism, affects the occlusal surface of the teeth. The exact location and pattern of abrasion depends on the mechanism of bruxism.

For example, when the canines and incisors of opposing arches move laterally relative to each other, under the action of the medial pterygoid muscles, this can lead to wear of the incisal edges of the teeth. As tooth wear progresses through the enamel layer, the exposed dentin (the hard underlying tissue of the tooth) becomes softer and more vulnerable to wear and decay.

If enough of a tooth's enamel is worn away or decayed, the tooth will effectively be weakened and may break under the increased forces that occur in episodes of bruxism.

Jaw pain

occurs from excessive clenching of the teeth, and leads to their grinding due to excessive pressure on the joints of the oral structure. Jaw pain may worsen when chewing gum or eating tough foods such as steak.

Toothache

Perhaps the most obvious, and most serious, symptom of teeth grinding is toothache. It's not hard to understand why this happens. Teeth are not built to withstand bruxism attacks.

Grinding your teeth uses force similar to what you would have to crack a nut. Teeth cannot remain healthy in the long term if they are exposed to this type of pressure every day.

Grinding can cause small cracks in the tooth, causing pain when chewing. Sensitivity may develop because odonterism wears away the enamel that protects teeth from extreme temperatures.

Stains on teeth

indicate that the enamel has worn away and the layer underneath, called dentin, is beginning to disappear. For dentists, these stains are an indicator of teeth grinding or clenching. They become more sensitive when these wear marks develop because the teeth are less protected without layers of enamel.

Bruxism consequences

The Karolyi effect is a leading culprit in many temporomandibular joint disorders:

Aching pain in the face or chin.
Soreness in or near the ear.
Jaw soreness.
A locking of the mouth joint that prevents the mouth from opening or closing.
Pain when chewing.
Clicking sound when opening and closing the mouth.

Bruxism: predisposition. Risk group

Teeth clenching is most often associated with stress, but it can also be exacerbated by habitual chewing on other things such as gum, nails, pencils or pens. Bruxers are advised to exercise self-control whenever possible and avoid chewing on other objects, as this bad habit worsens symptoms.

Studies, with varying degrees of evidence, have shown that high levels of bruxism occur in people with the following health conditions:

snoring and sleep apnea,
traumatic brain injury or coma,
epilepsy,
Down Syndrome,
autism,
cerebral palsy,
Parkinson's disease.

Risk group.

Persons who use substances that stimulate the masticatory muscles:

drugs,
alcohol,
nicotine,
caffeine,
sleeping pills,
antidepressants,
medications.

The risk group consists of people whose professional activities are associated with constant strain of attention (opticians, military personnel, neurosurgeons, testers, etc.).
Neurological and psychiatric illnesses also serve as a provoking factor.

Resume

Scientists say that teeth grinding is part of a natural mechanism of human survival. When under stress, his shoulders automatically slouch, his head moves slightly forward, and his teeth clench.

One study found that while the average person's tooth enamel loses about 0.3 millimeters every decade, bruxers can wear off 0.2 mm in just a couple of years.

Once you have determined that you grind your teeth in your sleep, contact a specialist. They will prescribe a number of procedures and medical options that will help prevent further damage to your teeth.

I hope the article about the symptoms of bruxism gave a clear understanding of such a dangerous disorder in the body, which is not considered a disease, but can cause considerable damage to health.

Sources: en.wikipedia, A.M. Brozgol and V.A. Alekseev “Pathological abrasion of teeth”, 1970; A.P. Zaligyan and L.M. Demner “Clinic and treatment of bruxism”, Dentistry, p. 77 No. 5, 1986; N.V. Yuryeva, N.N. Maslova, P.N. Geletin "Electroencephalographic features in patients with bruxism."

Elena Valve for the project Sleepy Cantata.

Read on topic:

Bruxism in adults, causes;
How to get rid of teeth grinding in your sleep. Jaw exercises.

Bruxism, or unconscious teeth grinding, can occur at any age. If in childhood this problem often goes away on its own, then adults cannot do without adequate treatment. Ignoring this symptom can lead to many unpleasant consequences, up to constant headaches and loss of teeth.

What is bruxism

Periodic attacks of bruxism occur in 10–15% of the adult population. They manifest themselves in the form of strong clenching of the jaws, creaking, tapping and clicking of teeth. This occurs as a result of spasm of the masticatory muscles.

Most often, attacks occur in an unconscious state, during sleep. Having woken up, a person does not remember what happened to him, and learns about this peculiarity of his only from the words of his relatives.

Teeth grinding can be a problem not only for children, but also for adults.

Attacks of bruxism usually last from 10–15 seconds to a minute and are repeated at individual intervals. At the same time, the person’s blood pressure rises, the pulse quickens and difficulty breathing occurs.

Teeth grinding has several official scientific names: bruxism, odonterism, Carolini phenomenon.

Doctors do not consider this condition a pathology and equate bruxism with snoring, sleepwalking and nightmares.

Classification

Bruxism is distinguished:

Day. This variety is quite rare because while awake people are usually able to control the movements of their muscles and jaws. Daytime bruxism affects men and women who are constantly under stress. To calm down, they chew pens and pencils, bite their lips and internal sides cheeks, bite nails, chew foreign objects. At the moment when a person experiences strong tension or strong emotions, his jaw involuntarily clenches and creaks, which can irritate others. Despite the fact that daytime bruxism from the outside seems like just a bad habit, it is extremely difficult to get rid of it without the help of a psychologist.
Night. Grinding of teeth during sleep is much more common, and gender and age do not matter. There are usually several attacks per night, and the person may not even be aware of it until the symptoms of bruxism become obvious. Among the most striking manifestations are the abrasion of tooth enamel, pain in the jaw joints and damage to the gums.

If you can get rid of daytime bruxism with the help of constant self-control, then nighttime bruxism requires more integrated approach to treatment. In addition, its diagnosis, especially early, is quite difficult, since it is almost impossible to notice attacks without outside help. A person can only suspect this condition based on a combination of certain symptoms.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of bruxism include the following:

headache in the morning;
pain in the ears and paranasal sinuses;
discomfort after sleep in the jaw, neck, shoulders, and back;
pain while chewing;
toothache;
numbness of the jaws upon awakening;
visual enlargement of the jaw muscles;
increased tearing and eye irritation;
clicking in the maxillofacial joints;
dizziness;
tinnitus;
drowsiness, feeling of weakness;
depressed state, turning into depression;
loss of appetite;
insomnia or restless sleep.

Bruxism almost always provokes abrasion of the enamel, which, in turn, leads to increased sensitivity of the teeth: they begin to react to too hot, too cold, as well as sweet and sour foods. A visit to the dentist will help to detect odonterism in time and take measures to eliminate it.

Reasons

When treating grinding, it is very important to establish the true cause of this phenomenon. All reasons can be combined into 6 groups. Depending on the area in which the roots of the problem lie, a person may need to consult a specific specialist.

Psychology. In approximately 70% of cases, involuntary contraction of the masticatory muscles is a reaction to a person’s internal experiences. Bruxism mainly affects people experiencing psychological discomfort, nervous tension, stress or serious emotional stress. Teeth grinding is one of the companions of depression, so if you suspect bruxism, you must first check the person’s psycho-emotional state.

Since the occurrence of teeth grinding is most often provoked by psychological factors, bruxism is called a disease of businessmen - people under the influence of constant stress.
Neurology. Bruxism may affect people with neurological problems: tremor, epilepsy, enuresis, apnea, various disorders sleep. In addition, grinding appears in response to damage to the trigeminal nerve: the masticatory muscles involuntarily become toned, and the person ceases to control this process.
Dentistry. It happens that creaking becomes a reaction to dental abnormalities. In adults, this phenomenon can be caused by dental anomalies, poorly fitted dentures and braces, malocclusion, poorly placed fillings, as well as diseases of the jaw joint.
Grinding teeth are often caused by incorrectly selected braces.
Gastroenterology. Grinding of teeth can also occur as a consequence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. In rare cases, bruxism is provoked by poor diet, excessive consumption of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. This problem can haunt people who abuse sleeping pills and antidepressants.
Otolaryngology. Being a frequent accompaniment of snoring, bruxism can be triggered by the same reason: difficulty in nasal breathing caused by a deviated nasal septum, enlarged adenoids, allergies or chronic runny nose.
Osteopathy. According to osteopathic science, teeth grinding is nothing more than the body’s desire to restore normal craniosacral rhythm. In adults, this problem often occurs due to problems with the spine, unsuccessful dental prosthetics and a host of other reasons.

A good osteopath can help get rid of bruxism

In addition, at risk:

patients with Huntington's chorea;
persons with brain injuries or organ tumors;
people suffering from Parkinson's disease;
men with a genetic predisposition to bruxism.

Whatever the cause of bruxism, it is important to promptly identify the problem and take measures to eliminate it.

Does bruxism need to be treated?

It may seem that bruxism is not such a serious problem. However, if nothing is done, a number of dental problems may arise:

the appearance of cracks in the enamel;
the occurrence of foci of caries;
abrasion of teeth;
If bruxism is not treated, teeth wear away very quickly.
change in the shape and size of the crown part of the teeth;
destruction of fillings and crowns;
loosening and loss of teeth;
taste of blood in the mouth;
gum damage;
formation of mouth ulcers;
the appearance of an abnormal bite;
diseases of the temporomandibular joints.

In addition to dental problems, people suffering from bruxism may develop constant psychological discomfort. They begin to feel like a nuisance, they develop an inferiority complex, and become increasingly withdrawn and irritable. And if you add to this rapid fatigue, constant headaches and spasms of the facial muscles, which are often accompanying bruxism, then a person may well fall into depression. Diagnostics

Teeth grinding, especially if it occurs infrequently, is not a reason to be treated for bruxism. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis, and you should start with a visit to the dentist. Based on the condition of the coronal part, the specialist will immediately recognize the incipient Carolini phenomenon, and to confirm his suspicions he can use a bruxchecker. This is a special mouth guard that is inserted into your mouth at night. Based on the nature of its damage, it is easy to determine which teeth bear the maximum load at night.

Electromyography is the main method for diagnosing bruxism

The next specialist you should visit if you suspect bruxism is a neurologist. If necessary, he will refer the patient for electromyography (EMG), a method that allows you to determine how well the chewing muscles are working by measuring their electrical activity.

A dentist can also refer you for an EMG, but it is better to visit a neurologist to rule out pathologies in this area.

If there are no problems with neurology, it is worth visiting a psychologist, otolaryngologist, gastroenterologist and osteopath.

Treatment

After the final diagnosis, you need to immediately proceed to treatment. If teeth grinding is caused by dental problems, treatment will be quick and will take place in the dentist's office.

Attention! Dental procedures Restoration of teeth destroyed by attacks of bruxism should be carried out only after the main cause causing this condition has been eliminated.

Cure respiratory or respiratory pathology auditory pathways it is already more difficult, as well as solving problems of neurology and the gastrointestinal tract. It will take the longest to eliminate the psychological causes of bruxism.

Be prepared for the fact that you will have to learn to relax (both the nervous system in general and the chewing muscles in particular). This can be achieved using different methods, and it is advisable to use them in combination.

The following relaxation techniques help with bruxism:

Yoga and meditation. Almost all meditation techniques are great way relax and relieve stress. You can master yoga on your own, but it is better if an experienced instructor talks about its intricacies, and classes take place in groups.
Breathing exercises. The simplest helps relieve stress breathing exercises: deep breath through the nose, holding your breath for a few seconds, exhaling for a long time through your mouth.
Physical activity. Physical activity helps relieve nervous tension and stimulates the production of “happiness hormones” - endorphins.
Massage. You can relax your jaw and chin with self-massage. Grasp your lower jaw with your palms and make light circular movements with your fingers.
Relaxing baths. It is a good idea for people suffering from bruxism to get into the habit of taking a warm, relaxing bath before bed. For greater effect, you can use a variety of additives: sea salt, essential oils (lavender, sandalwood, valerian), herbal infusions, oat straw, pine extract etc.
Compresses. You can relieve tension from the jaw using a warm, damp compress. Wet the napkin in warm water, squeeze and apply to the problem area - this will soothe the pain and relax the muscles.
Special exercises. Good effect can be achieved by regularly doing exercises to relax the muscles of the jaw and chin:
1. Open your jaws and place your tongue on the upper palate. This exercise is very useful to do before bed.
2. Press your chin with your fingers, pushing it back, open your mouth slightly and forcefully close it. The lower jaw should be relaxed. This exercise should be repeated 15 times in the morning, at lunch and before bed.

Yoga and meditation practices are a great way to relieve stress, which causes bruxism.

In parallel with relieving stress, do not forget to take care of your teeth. It is impossible to cure bruxism in one day, and each attack has a negative impact on enamel and gums.

To protect teeth from destruction, the dentist can select a special device. Most often used:

mouth guards for bruxism;
night or day tires;
trainers;
pads with a spring that extend the lower jaw.

Individual mouthguards are used to prevent tooth deformation

All these devices protect teeth, but they do not cure bruxism. If the grinding is caused by a psycho-emotional state, the doctor may prescribe:

taking sedative medications (Persen, Novo-Passit);
Botox injections;
psychotherapy sessions;
hypnosis.

Prevention

Having gotten rid of attacks of bruxism, do not forget about the prevention of this condition. Adhere to the following rules:

Make sure your teeth are not clenched during the day.
Try to exercise.
Get outdoors more and walk more often.
Instead of strong tea and coffee, drink herbal infusions from mint, lemon balm, linden, valerian, hops, chamomile, calendula, etc.
Adjust your diet: minimize sweets and fast food, increase the amount raw vegetables and fruits.
Adhere to a gentle daily routine: get plenty of rest, go to bed on time, and don’t overload yourself with overwhelming work.
Don't eat before bed.
Additionally, consume B vitamins, as well as calcium and magnesium supplements. However, this should be done after consultation with a doctor and the necessary tests.
Avoid stress.

There is a theory that if you allow your jaws to become tired during the day, the number of nighttime bruxism attacks will be minimal. Therefore, nutritionists recommend chewing hard carrots, apples and nuts more often.

Following these simple rules will help you forever forget about bruxism, which is so destructive to teeth and annoying for loved ones.

What to do if you grind your teeth at night - video

The seemingly innocent grinding of teeth causes a lot of inconvenience to both people suffering from bruxism and their immediate environment. Therefore, at the first signs of this condition, it is advisable to visit the necessary specialists, establish the true cause and begin treatment.

Medicine for me is not a profession, but a favorite hobby. I communicate with doctors, read a lot, and educate myself, so I consider myself quite competent in this area. Rate this article:

A person simply does not notice most habits in himself, but he is often angry at similar manifestations in other people.

One of these unpleasant moments is involuntary grinding of teeth, which medical terminology called bruxism.

About the violation seriously

Bruxism in adults and children is a condition of involuntary clenching of teeth, resulting in grinding.

This may be a consequence of certain processes in the body or a harmful addiction, which is noted much more often. This habit does not pose a serious health hazard, but it does create some problems.

This uncontrollable grinding of teeth intensifies at night when a person is sleeping, which puts extra stress on the temporomandibular joint.

The consequence of creaking is also damage to the enamel, loosening and abrasion of teeth, a negative impact on the facial muscles, joints, emotional state the person himself and his loved ones, for whom the grinding prevents them from resting.

The disease is more common in children, but age and gender do not play a role in this issue.

Some interesting statistics

According to statistics, bruxism most often affects children under the age of 7 years - 30-50% (usually by the age of 7 in children the problem disappears on its own), while in adults the same figure is only 10-15% of the entire population .

But it is also assumed that bruxism is much more common in adults, so the statistics are inaccurate. Lonely people grinding their teeth are not even aware of their condition because they have no one to tell about it.

At daytime form violations, the person himself notices its manifestations and tries to control his condition.

Nature of the disease

According to some scientists, bruxism is a sleep disorder, like somnambulism (sleepwalking), enuresis, snoring, nightmares and apnea (stopping breathing during sleep).

This assumption has not been officially confirmed, because this phenomenon has not been fully studied. There are suggestions that teeth grinding at night is a response to involuntary activity during sleep, when a person talks in a dream, experiences hallucinations, and is between sleep and wakefulness.

It is known for sure that bruxism occurs in aggressive people who are trying to suppress anger, as well as in citizens prone to stress and emotional stress, which often entails work activity. In any case, grinding your teeth at night can lead to serious consequences.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding is not an independent disease. It only indicates psychological or physiological disorders in the body.

If bruxism is detected in an adult, then before starting treatment, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination to find the cause that provoked the presented pathology.

Physical reasons include:

malocclusion;
missing or supernumerary teeth;
abnormal structure of the temporomandibular joint;
Parkinson's or Gettington's disease;
epilepsy;
difficult getting used to the prosthesis or braces;
poor quality fillings.

Psychological causes of bruxism include:

uncontrolled nervous excitability;
protracted stressful situation(passing exams, waiting, family difficulties);
drugs, withdrawal syndrome due to nicotine or alcohol addiction.

Stress is common cause the appearance of teeth grinding. 70% of all identified cases are the consequences of nervous tension and frequent worries. The most sensitive and emotional people are more likely to develop this problem.

Lifestyle can also influence the formation of a “bad habit”: alcoholism and smoking, excessive use of antidepressants, consumption of caffeine in large doses.

All this provokes stimulation of the cerebral cortex during night sleep. A person suffers from insomnia, which increases the risk of bruxism.

What is the danger

Delayed treatment entails harmless consequences:

First of all, a patient who grinds his teeth all night feels pain in maxillofacial area , because the muscles and joints of the face are under constant tension and this causes pain.
In addition, from the constant grinding, erased chewing surface teeth, they become loose and become sensitive, while the gums become inflamed and the aesthetic appearance of the teeth deteriorates.
Bruxism radiates pain to the ears, maxillary sinuses, the patient wakes up with a headache in the morning, hearing gradually begins to deteriorate, and facial asymmetry slowly develops.
Human insomnia begins to torment, nervousness, irritability, overexertion and even depression appear.

If the disorder suddenly appears in an older person, then you should undergo an examination, because teeth grinding may indicate epilepsy.

In addition, a person cannot sleep in the same room with someone; it is difficult for him to build family life. Several cases of divorce have been officially recorded precisely because of teeth grinding while sleeping.

How to identify the problem yourself?

A person suffering from bruxism may not know for a long time that he grinds his teeth in his sleep. He should be alerted to the following accompanying symptoms:

pain in the morning in the head, neck, back, temporomandibular joints, shoulders;
pain in the ears and maxillary sinuses;
dizziness and ringing in the ears;
insomnia and restless sleep;
daytime sleepiness;
frequent stress and depression.

These signs also indicate other diseases, but it is worth paying attention to the condition of the teeth. If they are worn out, dentures are damaged, or the bite has changed, then there is a possibility of bruxism and you should consult a specialist.

Therapy - a full range of measures

Treatment of bruxism is divided into two stages: dental and psychological, because the cause of grinding lies in psychological state patient, and the dental stage is needed to prevent consequences for the teeth.

Treatment can be started independently, where the compression of the upper and lower jaw should be controlled. They should not touch, thus reducing tooth friction.

Dental stage

Several times a day you should relax your muscles: spread your jaws, while pursing your lips. Stay in this position for several minutes. If teeth grinding occurs during sleep, then such exercises should be performed before bed.

You can control bruxism during the day by doing some exercises for your chin:

position your head straight;
relax your jaw and open your mouth;
gently move your chin back;
do the exercise in front of a mirror to control the correct position of the upper and lower jaw;
repeat the exercise 15 times; for quick and desired results, at least 3 sessions per day should be performed - this exercise will help correct the bite and relax the temporomandibular joint.

Psychological stage

Psychological treatment of bruxism consists of relieving stress in the patient. Daily exercise will help you get rid of psychological stress. deep breathing: inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth.

In addition, it is necessary to physically load the patient, because physical exercise will help not only relieve nervous tension and stress, but also produce endorphins. It's good to do yoga - it relaxes the whole body and muscles, including the facial ones.

Conservative and traditional medicine

Drug treatment involves reducing the activity of the masticatory muscles. Here they resort to the use of sedatives and sleeping pills, magnesium and calcium, B vitamins, Botox injections.

From folk remedies helps with bruxism warm compress in the area of the temporomandibular joint – heat relieves spasm and prevents jaw clenching. Before going to bed, you should also chew carrots or chewing gum so that your muscles get a workout and don’t contract at night.

To prevent tooth wear, breakage and dentures, you can use orthodontic mouthguards - these are overlays on the teeth to prevent the jaws from touching.

For preventive purposes, you should normalize your psycho-emotional state, learn self-massage and relaxation techniques, and get rid of bad habits. This is the only way to prevent the development of a problem that has a destructive effect on a wonderful smile.

What is bruxism

Most often, attacks occur in an unconscious state, during sleep. Having woken up, a person does not remember what happened to him, and learns about this peculiarity of his only from the words of his relatives.

Teeth grinding has several official scientific names: bruxism, odonterism, Carolini phenomenon.

Doctors do not consider this condition a pathology and equate bruxism with snoring, sleepwalking and nightmares.

Classification

Bruxism is distinguished:

Day. This variety is quite rare because while awake people are usually able to control the movements of their muscles and jaws. Daytime bruxism affects men and women who are constantly under stress. To calm down, they chew pens and pencils, bite their lips and the inside of their cheeks, chew their nails, and chew foreign objects. At a moment when a person experiences strong tension or strong emotions, his jaw involuntarily clenches and creaks, which can irritate others. Despite the fact that daytime bruxism from the outside seems like just a bad habit, it is extremely difficult to get rid of it without the help of a psychologist.
Night. Grinding of teeth during sleep is much more common, and gender and age do not matter. There are usually several attacks per night, and the person may not even be aware of it until the symptoms of bruxism become obvious. Among the most striking manifestations are the abrasion of tooth enamel, pain in the jaw joints and damage to the gums.

If you can get rid of daytime bruxism with the help of constant self-control, then nighttime bruxism requires a more comprehensive approach to treatment. In addition, its diagnosis, especially early, is quite difficult, since it is almost impossible to notice attacks without outside help. A person can only suspect this condition based on a combination of certain symptoms.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of bruxism include the following:

headache in the morning;
pain in the ears and paranasal sinuses;
discomfort after sleep in the jaw, neck, shoulders, and back;
pain while chewing;
toothache;
numbness of the jaws upon awakening;
visual enlargement of the jaw muscles;
increased tearing and eye irritation;
clicking in the maxillofacial joints;
dizziness;
tinnitus;
drowsiness, feeling of weakness;
depressed state, turning into depression;
loss of appetite;
insomnia or restless sleep.

Reasons

In addition, at risk:

patients with Huntington's chorea;
persons with brain injuries or organ tumors;
people suffering from Parkinson's disease;
men with a genetic predisposition to bruxism.

Whatever the cause of bruxism, it is important to promptly identify the problem and take measures to eliminate it.

Does bruxism need to be treated?

It may seem that bruxism is not such a serious problem. However, if nothing is done, a number of dental problems may arise:

In addition to dental problems, people suffering from bruxism may develop constant psychological discomfort. They begin to feel like a nuisance, they develop an inferiority complex, and become increasingly withdrawn and irritable. And if you add to this rapid fatigue, constant headaches and spasms of the facial muscles, which are often accompanying bruxism, then a person may well fall into depression. Diagnostics

A dentist can also refer you for an EMG, but it is better to visit a neurologist to rule out pathologies in this area.

If there are no problems with neurology, it is worth visiting a psychologist, otolaryngologist, gastroenterologist and osteopath.

Treatment

After the final diagnosis, you need to immediately proceed to treatment. If teeth grinding is caused by dental problems, treatment will be quick and will take place in the dentist's office.

Attention! Dental procedures for the restoration of teeth destroyed by attacks of bruxism should be carried out only after eliminating the main cause causing this condition.

It is already more difficult to cure pathologies of the respiratory or auditory tract, as well as to solve problems of neurology and the gastrointestinal tract. It will take the longest to eliminate the psychological causes of bruxism.

The following relaxation techniques help with bruxism:

Yoga and meditation. Almost all meditation techniques are a great way to relax and relieve stress. You can master yoga on your own, but it is better if an experienced instructor talks about its intricacies, and classes take place in groups.
Breathing exercises. The simplest breathing exercises help relieve stress: take a deep breath through your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds, and exhale for a long time through your mouth.
Physical activity. Physical activity helps relieve nervous tension and stimulates the production of “happiness hormones” - endorphins.
Massage. You can relax your jaw and chin with self-massage. Grasp your lower jaw with your palms and make light circular movements with your fingers.
Relaxing baths. It is a good idea for people suffering from bruxism to get into the habit of taking a warm, relaxing bath before bed. For greater effect, you can use a variety of additives: sea salt, essential oils (lavender, sandalwood, valerian), herbal decoctions, oat straw, pine extract, etc.
Compresses. You can relieve tension from the jaw using a warm, damp compress. Wet a napkin in warm water, wring it out and apply it to the problem area - this will soothe the pain and relax the muscles.
Special exercises. A good effect can be achieved if you regularly do exercises to relax the muscles of the jaws and chin:
1. Open your jaws and place your tongue on the upper palate. This exercise is very useful to do before bed.
2. Press your chin with your fingers, pushing it back, open your mouth slightly and forcefully close it. The lower jaw should be relaxed. This exercise should be repeated 15 times in the morning, at lunch and before bed.

In parallel with relieving stress, do not forget to take care of your teeth. It is impossible to cure bruxism in one day, and each attack has a negative impact on the enamel and gums.

To protect teeth from destruction, the dentist can select a special device. Most often used:

mouth guards for bruxism;
night or day tires;
trainers;
pads with a spring that extend the lower jaw.

All these devices protect teeth, but they do not cure bruxism. If the grinding is caused by a psycho-emotional state, the doctor may prescribe:

taking sedative medications (Persen, Novo-Passit);
Botox injections;
psychotherapy sessions;
hypnosis.

Prevention

Having gotten rid of attacks of bruxism, do not forget about the prevention of this condition. Adhere to the following rules:

Make sure your teeth are not clenched during the day.
Try to exercise.
Get outdoors more and walk more often.
Instead of strong tea and coffee, drink herbal infusions from mint, lemon balm, linden, valerian, hops, chamomile, calendula, etc.
Adjust your diet: minimize sweets and fast food, increase the amount of raw vegetables and fruits.
Adhere to a gentle daily routine: get plenty of rest, go to bed on time, and don’t overload yourself with overwhelming work.
Don't eat before bed.
Additionally, consume B vitamins, as well as calcium and magnesium supplements. However, this should be done after consultation with a doctor and the necessary tests.
Avoid stress.

There is a theory that if you allow your jaws to become tired during the day, the number of nighttime bruxism attacks will be minimal. Therefore, nutritionists recommend chewing hard carrots, apples and nuts more often.

Following these simple rules will help you forever forget about bruxism, which is so destructive to teeth and annoying for loved ones.

What to do if you grind your teeth at night - video

Clenching the jaws of animals is an important protective reflex, which allows them not only to tear apart food, but also to defend themselves from predators. It is believed that in the process of evolution it was inherited by humans. Therefore, jaw tension is the first reaction to stress in young children. Normally, as they grow older, new, more appropriate ways of responding to unpleasant influences appear, and the child clenches his jaw less and less often. But about 20% of people have an inherited overactivity of neurons in the masticatory center in the brain. Their teeth clenching is a psychosomatic reaction, a way to release nervous tension through body actions. At the same time, people do not even realize that they are straining their jaws. Not everyone is able to admit: I clench my teeth hard.

WHAT IS THE DANGER?

The problem is not only in the jaw clenching itself, but also in the conditions in which it most often occurs.

Aesthetic problems also arise. Hypertrophy of the masticatory muscle provokes hypertrophy of the angle of the lower jaw, that is, bone tissue.

This happens because muscles attach to protrusions of bone, and the larger the muscle grows, the bulkier the bone associated with it becomes. Therefore, the lower part of a person’s face becomes wide, massive, and heavy. The corners of the mouth look drooping, and sagging areas of skin - jowls - quickly form.

DOCTORS WILL HELP

In severe cases, we refer you to polysomnography, an overnight sleep study that allows you to objectively document the activity of the masticatory muscles. While awake, we can conduct surface electromyography of the masticatory muscles - recording their electrical activity using electrodes installed on the skin of the face.

We also do an orthopantomogram (panoramic photograph of the teeth) to exclude dental pathology and evaluate signs of bone tissue hypertrophy in the area of the angles of the lower jaw.

And based on the results of all these studies, we decide on therapy.

First of all, we make a special splint (mouthguard) for a person, which is installed on the lower jaw. A person sleeps in it and spends 1-2 hours during the day. The mouthguard prevents the jaws from closing and serves as an obstacle. In addition, when wearing a mouthguard, the masticatory muscles are stretched, and the spasm gradually goes away. We also ask the patient to pay attention to the position of the jaw (when a person is silent, the lips are closed, but the jaws should be open) in order to try to unlearn the habit of clenching the jaw. In addition, we evaluate the person’s psycho-emotional state, because teeth clench precisely against the background of stress. In this case, anti-anxiety, neurotropic drugs, and vitamins may be prescribed. Sometimes consultations with a psychoanalyst are recommended - after the resolution of psycho-emotional problems and intrapersonal conflicts, the problem of hyperactivity of the masticatory muscles may disappear.

On average, we give injections once a year. For most people, 2-3 injections are enough, then the person himself will wean himself from the habit of clenching his teeth. By the way, this can be seen when a former patient comes into the office a year later: if the hypertrophy of the masticatory muscle goes away, the hypertrophy of the bone tissue goes away, and the volume of the lower half of the face decreases. There is a feeling that the person has lost weight. The improvements are not only visual: they are confirmed by repeated orthopantomogram data.

He clenched his teeth to the point of grinding, grabbed the trapeze of the hang glider tighter, took off running and... woke up. They shake your shoulder and complain: “again, you’re grinding your teeth at someone in your sleep!” What do you dream about every night? You sigh, turn on the other side, fall asleep... How many dreams have you never finished watching because of this stupid grinding sound?

What can I say? You are not alone in the Universe - more than 70% of people suffer from bruxism, as it is scientifically called night rattle teeth. This, of course, is little consolation. Everyone still needs to solve the problem, and it’s better to start at an early age.

Grinding of teeth in children is fraught with the formation of a malocclusion, uneven teeth, and the development of childhood caries. If your child grinds his teeth at night, don't assume he will outgrow it. It won't outgrow.

Grinding of teeth - maybe we can tolerate it?

“Well, he grinds his teeth, come to think of it,” say the relatives of those who like to grind their teeth in their sleep, plugging their ears with cotton. Earplugs are also an option against bruxism, unless you feel sorry for your loved one.

Excessive load on teeth jaw joints, the muscles of the face and neck respond with pain, spasms and tension. Regular grinding at night wears down teeth - first the enamel is injured, hyper-sensitivity appears, then caries sets in and after a couple of years there is simply nothing left of the teeth. And not only from our own people. None ceramic crowns or dental implants will not withstand such pressure. And you say “no big deal”!

Dentists about the consequences of bruxism

Causes of teeth grinding - find and neutralize

We can say that teeth grinding is a habit. This is such a strange habit. Maybe you have noticed that you are chewing on the tip of a pencil while thinking? Or are you clenching a cigarette between your teeth? It’s not easy to unlearn this, but it’s necessary.

An incorrect but persistent opinion is that grinding your teeth in your sleep is a sign of helminthiasis. Hundreds of cases have been described of how treating worms helped get rid of bruxism. Well what can I say? Try it, it won't hurt. But be prepared for something that won't help.

Everything comes from nerves - including bruxism. Tightly clenched teeth as a manifestation of stress and excessive tension - more like the truth?

We often grit our teeth while weaving through rush hour in a subway car or on a bus, clench our teeth tightly before making a responsible decision or having a serious conversation with our superiors. And at night this tension does not let us go, we still experience daytime emotions.

Missing teeth, if you have ignored the need to install implants or crowns, or other malocclusions can also cause the habit of grinding your teeth. And not only at night. There are people who experience bruxism during the daytime.

Is grinding your teeth in your sleep a symptom?

However, bruxism is not a disease, but a combination of factors that force you to see a doctor. If you're not sure what your teeth grinding at night is doing... pathological character, it is worth carefully examining the oral cavity.

Have you noticed changes on the crown of the tooth? Are there any chips? Uneven cutting edge? Ulcers on the inner surface of the cheeks in the closure area? If yes, then these are signs of bruxism. Which means it's time to see a doctor.

Who will save you from bruxism - a dentist or a psychologist?

Yes, bruxism is a problem, both psychological and dental. In the first case, the doctor may advise you to take a sedative, rest more, get enough sleep and avoid overexertion.

Dentists give more practical recommendations. If you have missing teeth, you need to fill the gap. Fortunately, dental implantation offers different ways to restore teeth in terms of time and money.

Teeth fluoridation and the use of strengthening toothpastes to maintain enamel will help compensate for the aggressive consequences of bruxism.

Prevention and treatment of bruxism

Mouth guards will help protect your teeth from abrasion. They can be worn at night or even for a while during the day while you sit at the computer.

What else can you do to stop teeth grinding at night? Before going to bed, give your facial muscles and jaws a workout - chew hard apples or nuts. After such “gymnastics,” relaxation will set in and the desire to clench your teeth tightly while sleeping will not appear.

Massage and hot compresses will help you relax your neck and face. You can take a hot bath.

Don't drink a lot of coffee, much less carbonated drinks like Coca-Cola. Especially before bed. This will only create more tension that needs to be released.

You won’t be able to get rid of teeth grinding in a couple of days, but if systematic approach and with a strong intention you will succeed. Take action right now: you will find a list of suitable clinics below this article.

And no one will wake you up again in the most interesting place.