Bruxism (Tooth Grinding)

 

1) DEFINITION

It is a bad habit on which the patient grinds from side to side with excessive pressure on his teeth.

 

2) CONCEPT

Bruxism starts due to some factors and remain with the patient as a habit even after eliminating those factors.

 

3) PARTICIPATING FACTORS

• Psychological stresses.

• Some medical conditions

• Antidepressant drugs

 

4) ORAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Flattened and abraded teeth results in teeth sensitivity.

• Abfraction causing teeth weakening to the point they begin breaking.

• Pulpitis (Pulp inflammation) increase teeth sensitivity.

• Gum inflammation with subsequent loosening of teeth.

• Dry Mouth. Results from enlargement of facial muscles that press on the parotid glands (The gland which produce the saliva).

• Large bone prominences (bone bumps) appear in the mouth as the body attempts to strengthen the bone that support the grinding teeth.

 

5) FACIAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Muscles on the side of the face grow large and change the shape of the patient's face. With time the face begins looking more and more squarer.

• Decreased vertical dimension of the face cause the face to become shorter, the patient's lips to be thin and shorter and the face looks older than the actual age.

 

6) OTHER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• TMJ (jaw Joints) overuse cause joint roughness, ringing in the ears, decreased hearing, headache and limitation of the jaw movements.

• Temporary headaches due to overworked chewing muscles specially in the morning.

• Noisy grinding sounds while sleeping.

• Disturbed and restless sleep.

 

7) MIDC TREATMENT

• The most effective treatment for TMJ disorders is a soft appliance that is called, Soft Mouth Guard, TMJ appliance or Night guard, all are different names for the same appliance.

  • The appliance directs the joints into unstrained position and relaxes the muscles that hold the jaws.

  • The appliance should be used as much as you can for a minimum of 8 hours during the night time and one hour during the day time.

  • Reduction in the symptoms occurs after one to two weeks according to individual variations.

  • The appliance program should continue for six to eight weeks according to each case.

• A three months course of Glucose-amine tablets help building your joint cartilage, a material that lubricates the joint, this may be enhanced with vitamin C.

• Hot packs (applied externally) on the joint and muscles area is important to enhance blood flow which cleans out and nourishes your hurting muscles.

• Avoid emotional stresses and get an 8-hour sleep per day