Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Health
Bruxism is a very common sleep disorder in which the patient grinds and clenches his teeth during sleep. In most cases the level of Bruxism is not severe, but in some cases (about 20% of the Bruxers) Bruxism reaches a higher level causing cracks and even flattening the teeth. The level of Bruxism is not fixed: one with Bruxism of low severity can reach higher level at time and vice versa.

The causes of Bruxism are not fully understood. Observations suggest that there is a correlation between the level of stress and the level of Bruxism. Surveys suggest that there is a correlation between specific habits and Bruxism. These special habits include: chewing the edge of the pencil, chewing bubble gum. These habits train the jaw muscles to Brux. Some even suggest that coffee before sleep increases the level of Bruxism.

There are other conditions in which Bruxism occurs such as misalignment of the teeth. When the mouth closes and the teeth are misaligned then grinding is inevitable, hence Bruxism.

Bruxism symptoms include other than teeth problem also headaches, earaches and jaw problems.

A person is not aware that he snores. The same is with Bruxism, but unlike snoring Bruxism leaves marks: the damage in the teeth and some times the chewed tissue of the inside of the cheek. The dentist can detect symptoms of Bruxism and your sleeping partner can detect Bruxism by the sound of the teeth grinding.

There are ways to reduce the damage of Bruxism and there are also ways to reduce the level of Bruxism:

The methods to reduce the damage include a night guard – a rubber piece to protect the grinding and clenching of teeth – and Bruxism alarms – a wakeup call when Bruxism sound is detected.

The methods to reduce the level of Bruxism include ways to reduce the stress and pressure on the patient in general and ways to relax the jaw muscles. Some suggest special herbs, some suggest relaxing exercises and some even suggest hypnosis.

For more reading on the subject visit:
The Invasion of the Bruxers.
King Bruxers.