Have you ever caught yourself clenching your jaw subconsciously? It might feel quite normal initially, but then you find yourself doing it frequently. As normal as it seems, clenching your jaw constantly while awake or while sleeping is a sign of bruxism. Bruxism is a condition in which an individual grinds,gnash or clenches their teeth. It usually acts like a coping mechanism which happens without your knowledge.
There are 2 types of Bruxism namely Awake Bruxism and Sleep Bruxism. It is easier to be aware of awake bruxism than sleep bruxism, though both are subconscious behaviors. Signs of bruxism are same for both awake as well as of sleep bruxism. Not surprisingly, the prevalence of bruxism is 8% to 31% in adults. The causes of bruxism range from stress, depression, competitive personality, family history, alcohol, smoking etc.
Now that we have discussed bruxism, let us study some of the treatment options as well:
- Mouth Guard : A mouth guard (also known as a dental night guard) is a removable device that is made from soft, flexible plastics. It is designed in a way that it fits over your teeth perfectly to protect your top and bottom set of teeth from grinding, clenching and gnashing. All these grinding and clenching movements can tear the enamel of your teeth, increasing the sensitivity of your teeth as well.
- Practicing stress reduction techniques : A major reason for the development of bruxism is stress and depression. This is because some people cope with stress by grinding and clenching their jaw unconsciously. Therefore, in order to reduce these habits, practicing techniques like meditation, mindfulness etc that help reduce stress will eventually result in treating bruxism.
- Lifestyle Changes : Minor lifestyle changes can help cure a lot of disorders and bruxism is one of them. Changes like avoiding smoking, alcoholic beverages, limiting caffeine intake are a few of them. Making these minor changes can create a significant impact on your dental and overall health. Building an exercise routine will add a spark to your routine. Following the exercise routine regularly can help reduce stress levels which will also indirectly help in treating bruxism.
- Practicing Sleep Hygiene : Sleep hygiene practices can help reduce sleep bruxism. Practices like sleeping in a quiet dark room, avoiding coffee and alcohol close to bedtime, and minimizing the use of electronic devices before bedtime are quite beneficial too.
Now that we have read enough, it is safe to conclude that bruxism is common and fairly treatable as well. Managing and treating bruxism is essential for maintaining optimal oral health. By addressing these conditions through methods such as stress management, mouth guards, and seeking professional dental devices, individuals can prevent further damage to their teeth and jaws. Incorporating dental care gadgets like automatic toothbrush and the best water flosser in India, like the one from ORACURA can enhance oral hygiene routine, and promote healthy gums and smiles.
