Stress can cause you to lose teeth while you sleep
Saying bruxism during sleep is a type of sleep disorder, Dt. from Medical Park Ordu Hospital Oral and Dental Health Clinic. Tuğçe Serdaroğlu talked about the factors that cause bruxism and the treatment methods. YOU CAN BREAK YOUR TEETH WHILE SLEEPING Dt. Tuğçe Serdaroğlu said: “Symptoms include facial and jaw pain, limitation of jaw movements and stiffness of jaw, clicking or popping sound in jaw movements, blunt headache, damage and wear of teeth, fractured or embedded fillings, responsible for opening and closing the jaw. There are earaches due to joint damage. Severe and persistent pain can make it difficult to identify the source of the pain. While people with bruxism may not notice the signs of teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, the people next to them may notice the grinding sound.
STRESS CAUSES CLEANING UP WHILE WAKE UP
Claiming that bruxism seen while awake is an unconscious habit, Dt. Tuğçe Serdaroğlu, “Bruxism, which is usually visible while awake, does not cause teeth grinding; however, clamping and tension in the jaw joints and muscles are serious. Pain, headache and stiffness in and around the jaw are among the most common symptoms. The common feature of sleep and wake bruxism is that both occur involuntarily. With intense stress and concentration, the risk of bruxism is high.
THE UNDERLYING DISEASE NEEDS TO BE TREATED
Dt. Tuğçe Serdaroğlu explained what needs to be done to prevent bruxism as follows: “Alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine should be avoided as much as possible. Chewing gum should be avoided to prevent wear and tear on teeth and jaw joints. Gentle heat should be applied to relieve severe pain and muscle contractions. It is necessary to reduce stress or try ways to cope with stress. Do not hesitate to seek support when deemed necessary. Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises are the only effective way to prevent bruxism from other medical conditions such as reflux, sleep apnea, or epilepsy, but to treat the underlying disease or plan treatment to relieve its symptoms.
METHODS OF TREATMENT
Dt. Tuğçe Serdaroğlu said the following about the treatment methods for bruxism: “The treatment of bruxism varies depending on the expectation of the patient, the type of bruxism and the severity of the disease. There are many treatment strategies available today. Bruxism treatment methods can be listed as follows: Teeth clamp device, mouth splint (night plaque): These treatment methods are used to keep the teeth apart to prevent damage from clenching and grinding of the teeth and temporomandibular joint. They are designed for upper and lower teeth and can be made of hard acrylic or soft plastic material. Drug therapy: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be preferred, upon the recommendation of the dentist, to relieve pain or swelling associated with bruxism. In some cases, drug therapy may also be recommended to relax the muscle. This relaxes the jaw muscles and reduces tension. This provides relief from the symptoms. Biofeedback Therapy: Biofeedback is a type of therapy that aims to teach control over involuntary control mechanism functions in the body, such as breathing and heart rate. There is insufficient evidence for biofeedback therapy; however, there are studies showing cases showing improvement in symptoms. Botox: In severe cases of bruxism, botox injections can paralyze the muscles that cause sleep bruxism and prevent teeth grinding. Botox is not among the most preferred treatment methods because it does not create a permanent solution, requires repeated doses, and is not an economical option. Treatment of the underlying cause: Usually, treatment of mental disorders is effective in treating bruxism. Talking therapies and drug combinations are often recommended. With other health problems, such as sleep apnea, treating the problem is the most important factor in treating bruxism. For example, a continuous positive airway pressure device may be used to prevent sleep interruptions in a person with sleep apnea.
UNTREATED BRUXISM CAN CAUSE PERMANENT TOOTH DAMAGE!
Underlining that bruxism can cause mild or severe damage in the long run, Dt. Tuğçe Serdaroğlu summed up the damage caused by bruxism as follows: “Untreated bruxism causes tooth sensitivity due to wear and irritation of the tooth enamel, gingivitis and bleeding gums, loose teeth and permanent tooth loss, damage to the dental filling, flattened, short or broken ends. It can temporomandibular joint syndrome, which causes severe pain, tension, restriction of movement, and difficulty chewing.