<b>Do you find yourself grinding your teeth? Is it just on rare occasions or has it become a habit? If so, here are ways to self-manage it.</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth then you are experiencing bruxism. This is mostly common when you are sleeping or if you are stressed or anxious. </span> <b>Bruxism </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">is an excessive teeth grinding and an oral parafunctional activity where it is unrelated to normal function such as eating and talking.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Teeth grinding is also common to children. People who have bruxisms have teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose. They have worn out teeth, exposing deeper layers of tooth and thereby exposing the tooth to increased pain and sensitivity.</span> [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"]<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/l4KhKRi4AJQkZqP4Y/giphy.gif" alt="Grinding Your Teeth" width="500" height="281" /> Grinding Your Teeth[/caption] <h2><b>Common Causes, Risk Factors and Symptoms</b></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Most people who suffer from teeth gringing are not aware of the problem until symptoms occur which is associated with pain. There are two types of teeth grinding: sleeping bruxism and awake bruxism. Doctors don’t completely understand what causes bruxism but have provided risk factors that are combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors.</span> <i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Risk Factors</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> includes:</span> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stress</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Age, usually common in children but may progress or goes away by adulthood</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Personality types that’s aggressive, competitive and hyperactive will likely have bruxism</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Family history of bruxism</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Medications and substances like antidepressants, smoking, caffeinated drinks, alcohol or using recreational drugs may increase the likelihood to have bruxism.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Other disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux, sleep apnea and ADHD are associated with bruxism</span></li> </ul> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Bruxism may cause variety of </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">signs and symptoms</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">:</span> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Worn out tooth/teeth</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tooth fracture</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hypersensitive teeth</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Inflammation of periodontal ligament of teeth</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hypertrophy of the muscles in the jaw</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pain or tenderness of the tempomandibular joints that may lead to TMJ disorders</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Headache</span></li> </ul> <h3><b>Management</b></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">In many cases, treatment isn’t necessary unless bruxism is severe. Many kids usually outgrow bruxism and many adults don’t require therapy at all. However, your doctor will usually suggest dental approach to prevent teeth grinding and improve your teeth.</span> <ul> <li><b>Splints and mouth-guards<span style="font-weight: 400;"> - These are designed to keep teeth separated to avoid the damage caused by clenching and grinding. They can be constructed of hard acrylic or soft materials and fit over your upper or lower teeth.</span></b></li> <li><b>Dental Correction<span style="font-weight: 400;"> - In severe cases — when tooth wear has led to sensitivity or the inability to chew properly — your dentist may need to reshape the chewing surfaces of your teeth or use crowns to repair the damage.</span></b></li> <li><b>Stress Management<span style="font-weight: 400;"> - Learning strategies through relaxation techniques and meditation. If bruxism is related to anxiety, advices from licensed therapist or counsellor may help.</span></b></li> <li><b>Behaviour Change <span style="font-weight: 400;">- This is done by practicing proper mouth and jaw position and usually guided by your dentist.</span></b></li> <li><b>Muscle Relaxants, Botox Injections and Anxiety Medications<span style="font-weight: 400;"> - In some cases, most especially severe cases of bruxism, doctors may prescribed you with medications. For a short period of time, muscle relaxants are taken before bedtime. Botox injections may help some people who don’t respond to other treatments. Anxiety medications may also be given for short-term use.</span></b></li> <li><b>A Change in lifestyle, reduce stress, and good sleeping habits<span style="font-weight: 400;"> - If bruxism is noticed at an early period, you may want to start changing your lifestyle, diet and sleeping habits. Avoid triggers like caffeinated drinks, reduce exposure to stress through exercise and relaxation techniques and always practice of having good sleeping habits.</span></b></li> </ul>
