More than teething problem!

Dr Sahira Sandhu

Most people clench or grind their teeth from time to time. When this becomes a habit, it is known as bruxism.

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching is often related to stress or anxiety. It does not always cause symptoms, but some people get facial pain, jaw pain and headaches, and it can wear down your teeth over time.

Most people who grind their teeth and clench their jaw are not aware they’re doing it. It often happens during sleep, or while concentrating or under stress but sleep-related bruxism poses a bigger challenge because it is harder to control.

Bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders. It is an unconscious neuromuscular activity.

What causes bruxism?

• Stress, anxiety, frustration and anger.
• A malocclusion, or when the teeth and jaw do not line up correctly.
• A symptom of certain diseases of the nerves and muscles in the face and may be a side effect of some medicines.

How is bruxism treated?

Splints and mouth guards

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.

Dental correction

In severe cases, when tooth wear has led to sensitivity or the inability to chew properly, you may need to reshape the chewing surfaces of your teeth or use crowns to repair the damage.

Sleep-related disorders

Addressing sleep-related disorders such as sleep apnea may improve sleep bruxism.

Stress management

If you grind your teeth because of stress, you may be able to prevent the problem by learning strategies that promote relaxation, such as meditation. When bruxism is related to anxiety, advice from a licensed therapist may be helpful.

Muscle relaxants

Taking a muscle relaxant before bed time, for a short period of time, is beneficial in some cases.

Botox injections

Injections of botox, a form of botulinum toxin, may help some people with severe bruxism, who don’t respond to other treatments.

Medication for anxiety

Use of short-term anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications will help you deal with stress or other emotional issues that may be causing your bruxism.

Foods and drinks

Avoiding foods and drinks that contain high concentrations of caffeine or alcohol may be beneficial, as these can increase grinding. Chewing gum may encourage bruxism, as it can embed clenching and grinding into the muscle memory.

You can do it

There are a number of ways you can treat the side effects of bruxism yourself. They include icing your jaw muscles to relieve pain, avoiding hard foods, and relaxing your facial muscles periodically during the day. Stress management techniques like relaxation therapies, deep-breathing exercises, and yoga are beneficial as well. A good sleep hygiene, including a cool, dark, quiet room to sleep in, with no televisions, computers or other work-related items.

It is also suggested to relax yourself before bedtime and this may include a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to music and maintaining a soothing bedtime routine.

(Dr. Sandhu is a Chandigarh-based prosthodontics)