The effect of stress on our health is such that there is hardly any disease or condition (physiological or psychological) that is not directly or remotely connected to it. Teeth grinding or bruxism, is one such condition. We all use teeth to chew and grind food. But when one starts gritting and gnashing teeth for no particular reason, it is referred to as bruxism. It is often triggered by psychological and emotional stresses, over-anxiety and sleep disorders, apart from jaw discrepancies, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. Both children and adults can be affected by it. In most cases it occurs in the night, usually while one is asleep. Sometimes the person may not even be aware of the fact that he/she is clenching his/her teeth. It could go unnoticed too. Usually the family members hint about this to the person by complaining as to how his/her steady chatter caused by clenching and grinding of teeth disturbs them. Some people with bruxism unconsciously clench and gnash their teeth during the day also when they feel overtly tense.
If the gritting is mild, it might not be such a cause for concern; it could even disappear on its own. But in some cases the constant grinding causes wearing away of teeth, fractures in teeth, sore jaws, headaches etc. Often there is pain in the jaws, headache, increased sensitivity towards very h
ot or cold food and many such symptoms. A visit to the dentist might confirm bruxism. To eliminate discrepancies in teeth, the dentist might fit a mouth guard to protect teeth during sleep. He/She might even suggest muscle relaxing exercises for the jaw. Psychiatric counseling, exercise and meditation are also advised to relieve stress or tension, if that is the cause of bruxism. Severe cases of bruxism are also considered for treatment by botox. A cosmetic dentist will be able to repair worn down, misshapen teeth damaged beyond recognition by bruxism. This is done by fitting dental crowns to realign, reshape and rectify the teeth.
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6 comments:
This is very helpful. My nephew grinds his teeth so loudly when he sleeps, and I was looking for info on this.
Cheers,
Albert | UrbanMonk.Net
Modern personal development, entwined with ancient spirituality.
Glad to know that you found the information useful.
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Make a conscious effort to relax your face and jaw. If you suddenly feel that you are becoming tense, try to focus on loosening and stretching your facial muscles.
Take a walk or breathe deeply. These are some of the stress-relieving techniques that can keep you from clenching or grinding your teeth.
Caffeine and decongestants are stimulants that can make your muscles tense. Avoid these as much as possible.
Enroll yourself in a stress-reduction technique class so that you will be able to manage your stress effectively. Before going to bed, try taking a hot bath or listen to soothing music so that you will be able to relax. Drinking a glass of warm milk will also be helpful.
My son at 8 years was always overtly hungry & yet thin, restless at night with grinding of teeth. Several times Doc gave him deworming tablets but of no use. Also he would cough often and compalin of dryness in the throat which could not be felt good even by drinking water.Then I read your post Thanks
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