In our country, the frequency of teeth grinding, or in other words bruxism, is around 70-80 percent. The increase in the stress level in daily life in particular triggers the number of people who consult dentists with bruxism complaints. Working in front of the computer for long periods, along with heavy working conditions, can also lead to bruxism. Because working in front of the computer for a long time causes people to lose their body posture. Excessive fatigue and psychological stress are also among the most important causes of teeth grinding complaints. Adana Private Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic Dentrum explained the frequently asked questions about teeth grinding (bruxism) for you.
If we are to define it, bruxism is the unintentional clenching and grinding of the teeth. This disorder is an important health problem that can cause wear of the teeth and tooth losses.
Beware of Jaw Pain
Foremost among the most important symptoms of teeth grinding disorder, pain felt in the jaw muscles, fatigue, stiffness, and excessive contraction are indicators of bruxism. Over time, wear occurs in the jaw joint, sensitivity develops, and the joints become deformed. A sound felt in front of the ear can also indicate that you have a teeth grinding disorder.
The Number of Patients Is Very High
The teeth grinding disorder, which reaches levels of 70-80 percent in our country, is at worrying dimensions. The number of patients consulting dental clinics and dentists with this complaint is increasing day by day. The heavy working conditions, fatigue, stress, and posture loss imposed by modern city life and work life can cause teeth grinding disorder.
Bruxism Can Be Seen During Sleep
Teeth grinding behavior can be experienced at any time of the day. However, it usually occurs during sleep. For this reason, a significant portion of patients are not even aware of this disorder. Due to this feature, teeth grinding is evaluated as a kind of sleep disorder. In patients who consult with these complaints, the diagnosis can be made by oral surgeons, orthodontics specialists, prosthetic dental treatment specialists, and physical therapy specialists.
It Can Cause Gingivitis
Teeth grinding disorder causes serious damage to the oral region in the long term. Cracks occur in the tooth enamel, and enamel fractures, tooth sensitivity, gum bleeding, gingivitis, and even tooth losses can be experienced. It can even bring problems such as gum recession and bone loss in the long process. In bruxism cases that are not intervened in, patients need extensive restorations while their quality of life also decreases considerably.
Permanent Wear Can Be Experienced in the Teeth
If not treated, the bruxism disorder also leads to other important health problems. For this reason, it definitely needs to be treated. It can permanently lead to jaw joint deformations, jaw and facial pain, tooth wear, and losses. In the treatment of teeth grinding disorder, more than one specialist needs to work together and act with a multidisciplinary approach.
Physical Exercises Can Be Applied
In the treatment of teeth grinding disorder, appliances and medications for the protection of the teeth are used. In addition, physical therapy exercises also play an important role in treatment. In the next stage, minimally invasive methods come up. Injections such as botox application to the joints or into the muscle, dry needling, and local anesthesia are applied. Finally, options such as neuropathic pain treatments and joint surgery are evaluated. If you too are experiencing teeth grinding and clenching problems, you should take action for treatment without delay.
