Teeth & Jaw Grinding
Many Adults and child clients with Bruxism find it will come and go. During stressful or anxious times it is likely to be worse. People challenged by Bruxism or Jaw Grinding can be awake or asleep. Continuous regular Jaw Grinding or Bruxism can cause much discomfort and excessive jaw pain, whilst it unfortunately wears down your teeth, often it also creates persistent headaches and/or earache.
Some of the symptoms of Bruxism/Jaw Grinding are:
- Pain in neck, face or jaw
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Worn tooth enamel
- Disrupted sleep
- Sensitivity and tooth pain
- Tight jaw muscles, leading to difficulty opening the mouth
- Earache pain
- Headache
- Chipped, fractured, flattened or loose teeth
Bruxism, mostly occurs with other challenges. Approximately, 70% of Bruxism or Jaw Grinding cases occur while asleep.
Recently a connection has been found between Bruxism and OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea). OSA Occurs as a disorder, due to breathing constantly being interrupted whilst asleep. However, exactly how OSA and Bruxism affect each other, still isn’t fully understood.
Teeth Grinding can also be caused by prescription medication, especially SSRI anti-depressants (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Sometimes, regular Alcohol, Smoking, or using Recreational Drugs, including Cocaine or Ecstasy, increase your risk of being affected by Bruxism or Teeth Grinding.
There are various possible treatments and therapies for Teeth Grinding, here are just a few shown to be really effective: Behavioural Therapy and Using a Mouth Guard or Mouth Splint’s, can manage and improve symptoms connected with Bruxism. These guards and splints reduce the sensation of clenching or grinding teeth, whilst preventing any wear on the teeth. If you have anxiety or stress, a course of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is recommended.
A recent new method of therapy for Teeth Grinding is called HRT (Habit-Reversal Therapy). Lifestyle changes need to be made e.g. reducing Alcohol and Stress and stop Smoking.