Bruxism

Abstract

Bruxism is an oral parafunctional activity, characterized by the teeth grinding and clenching of the jaw. It could cause a serious health problem. According to various studies, about 10% of human population has that kind of oral problem. The etiology of bruxism could be very diverse including some medical disorders, severe health conditions, some drugs, etc. Stress, anxiety and aggression could also trigger bruxism. Most frequent symptoms of bruxism are abrasion of the teeth, jaw pain, chewing disorders, migraines, neck pain, loss of teeth, gum recession, earache, temporomandibular joint pain, masseter hypertrophy as well as inflammation and blockade of some of salivary glands. One of the main symptoms in bruxism diagnosis is abrasion of the teeth; however, other symptoms, such as jaw pain, earache, neck pain and chewing disorders, should not be neglected. In severe, chronic cases, bruxism could lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction such as pain, crepitation, chewing disorders and difficulties in opening the mouth. Bruxism can be very loud at night, so a sleeping partner or a parent may be the first to notice it and their observation is very important to indicate its presence. Today there are modern devices which can be used for monitoring the electromyography during sleep and identifying bruxism. If the diagnosis is made early and the real cause is identified, bruxism can be treated successfully. Reducing the stress is also very important in the treatment of bruxism. One of the most frequently used methods in the treatment of bruxism is the application of dental guards and splints. Splints are usually made of celluloid and silicone and they are designed to protect the teeth from abrasion, to reduce muscle forces, to stabilize the occlusion as well to prevent damage to the temporomandibular joints. In addition, bruxism can be treated by contingent electrical stimulation, biofeedback stimulation of the receptors for taste through taste buds, by switching the way of breathing from breathing through the nose to breathing through the mouth as well as by botulinum toxin (botox) and dietary supplements.