'Lately, I notice that I clench my teeth, what can I do?'
We give you the keys to act against bruxism
Do you notice that your jaw hurts lately for no apparent
reason? Have you been told that, when you sleep, you make noise with your
teeth? You may not know it, but it is possible that you suffer from bruxism.
If you haven't heard of this mouth condition, take note.
There are people who grind or clench their teeth more often
than normal, and it is something that happens especially while they sleep.
In principle, we do not give it too much importance, but if it persists and
becomes a habit, it can lead to a serious problem with important
consequences. “Bruxism is one of the most common problems we find in
patients. In addition, we are detecting that the number of those affected is
growing very fast. Therefore, it is essential to detect it as soon as
possible and solve it”, explains Maty Jagani, from BeYourself.
Why does it occur?
Although there may be other causes, the truth is that stress
and anxiety play an important role and are usually the cause of this
condition that, by the way, is estimated to affect almost 20 percent of the
population and that it is increasing. increase.
This condition can be diurnal or nocturnal and the big problem
is that it is usually an unconscious habit, which is why many affected
ignore and even deny its existence. "To detect it, it is essential that the
affected person or those who live with him or her verify a series of
symptoms, such as headaches, noises and tooth problems...", explains Javier
Santiago Sánchez, a specialist in the BeYourself Dental Area.
How can I detect that I have bruxism?
Most people who have bruxism don't know it, as it usually happens
while they sleep. It is very important, therefore, to observe if we have any
discomfort. These are the main warning signs for its diagnosis:
1. Tooth wear, with a flat, smooth and shiny tooth profile, in teeth that are not directly involved in chewing (incisors and canines).
2. Wedge-shaped lesions on the neck of the teeth.
3. Changes in dental anatomy (unshaped premolars and molars, fractures...) and reduction in tooth size.
4. Increased tooth sensitivity.
5. Tooth mobility.
6. Tension headaches that occur with head and neck pain that are often misdiagnosed as migraines.
7. Facial pain of non-dental origin.
8. Fractures of prostheses, implants…
9. Teeth noises audible by people sleeping with those affected.
Can it be treated?
This well-treated condition always has a solution.
-If it is slight... In the event that the bad position of the teeth
is very slight, a small adjustment of said teeth can be made through
selective grinding. Which consists of eliminating the interferences between
the teeth of the opposite arches in order to improve the closure.
If the problem is greater... And especially for patients who suffer from the condition at night, they should wear a small device called discharge splints. Its objective is to relax the oral muscles and reposition the jaw correctly, obtaining optimal contacts between the teeth of both arches.
For these small devices to work properly, it is very important
that patients put them on daily. Also that they go periodically to the
dentist for its correct adjustment a week after delivering it, after 15
days, after a month and after six months. “The first days you can notice an
increase in salivation, but it is not important. You have to brush your
teeth before putting it on and wash the splint when you get up with a nail
brush and soap”, explains Javier Santiago Sánchez from BeYourself.
