In the Greek is where the etymological origin of the term bruxism is found. Specifically, we can establish that it emanates from the word “brugmos”, which can be translated as “bite”.
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding of the teeth. This disorder, which affects more than 10% of the population, usually occurs while the person is sleeping. For example: “The dentist recommended that I use a resting plate to treat bruxism”, “I did not know why I woke up with a headache until I was diagnosed with bruxism”, “Bruxism caused me to break three of my teeth”.
According to DigoPaul, bruxism can affect children, adults, men and women alike. The most common age of onset is between 17 and 20 years and, in many cases, spontaneous remission occurs after 40 years.
The most common causes of bruxism are psychological. The stress and anxiety lead to the person who, when he sleeps, tighten or grind your teeth without realizing it. This unconscious nature makes knowing its causes somewhat complicated.
Pain in the muscles of the jaw, neck and ear, headaches, and dental problems are the most common consequences of bruxism.
However, we cannot ignore the existence of many other symptoms that people with this dental problem experience. Among them are from eating disorders to insomnia through a strong sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold products as well as inflammation of the jaw.
In order to correctly diagnose a bruxism problem, dental experts carry out various tests such as what would be a complete examination as well as the corresponding x-rays.
Experts distinguish between Grade I bruxism (little aggressive and occasional), Grade II (generated by anxiety, requires treatment to prevent damage to the teeth) and Grade III (the affected person reproduces the habit even consciously and suffers injuries considerable).
Treatment is usually accomplished through the use of a discharge splint or relaxing plate that protects the teeth while the subject sleeps. This protector not only prevents dental injuries, but also helps eliminate pain by preventing muscle strength.
The psychological therapy, the anxiolytic and relaxation exercises can also be suggested by the doctor. All this without forgetting that, in severe cases, surgery must be used.
In addition to following the corresponding treatment established by the medical professional, it should not be overlooked that there are various recommendations that people with bruxism can carry out at home. These are tricks that will help you to improve this problem and reduce the symptoms you experience:
• Drink a large amount of water daily.
• As much as possible, avoid eating foods that are excessively hard.
• It is necessary to sleep well and for at least eight hours a day.
• Apply heat or ice to the area of the jaw that is inflamed.
• Perform massages both on the neck and on the face and even on the shoulders.
• Undertake stretching exercises.
