Teeth grinding is an involuntary movement that occurs when the chewing reflex is activated during sleep and the upper and lower teeth touch each other. Individuals with this habit are usually unaware of this.
What are the causes?
There are various views on the causes of bruxism (teeth grinding). Some researchers claim that bruxism is caused by the disruption of the closing relationship between the teeth, some claim that it is caused by a disease in the central nervous system, and some claim that it is a multifaceted problem that includes both of these causes.
- Although the exact cause is not known, a number of predisposing factors can be mentioned. Among these, stress has an important place. Many doctors agree that emotional stress is the most important factor in the causes of bruxism. The first place we see signs of stress in our body is the oral tissues. Stress has been determined to be both the cause of bruxism and the most important factor that increases its severity.)
- In addition, digestive problems, sleep disorders, teeth closing problems in the mouth, some diseases and the use of some medications also pave the way for teeth grinding.
- Although it usually occurs at night, it can also manifest itself with mild severity during the day.
- Mild teeth grinding may not cause any health problems in many people.
- Teeth grinding, which is also common in children, usually ends when all permanent teeth erupt.
- Teeth grinding can occur even during short periods of sleep. As a result of the lateral movements of the lower jaw, wear occurs primarily on the incisors.
- A serious sound is also produced during this movement, which becomes more intense when the molars come into play. This sound is often loud enough to wake up people sleeping next to the person who grinds their teeth.
- Most people are not aware of this condition until they show any symptoms. It is usually noticed by the dentist during an oral and dental examination.
- The enamel surfaces of the teeth are hard to wear, but the wear continues at an accelerated rate when it reaches the softer layer underneath, increasing the susceptibility to decay.
- There is also a possibility that the teeth may break. Sometimes this condition is accompanied by gum recession.
- In advanced stages, it will be inevitable for teeth to become sensitive to cold, hot, sour, sweet, etc.
Symptoms
Abrasion on the biting surface of the teeth
Abrasion caused by the friction of teeth can cover all teeth, but it is especially effective on the front teeth.
Fracture in teeth
As a result of clenching and grinding teeth, micro cracks form on the corners of the front teeth and the protruding parts of the back teeth. These cracks, which cannot be detected by X-ray, grow over time and cause teeth to break.
Excessive sensitivity in teeth
Sensitivity to cold usually develops.
Gum recession and usually the accompanying notch-shaped abrasions that occur at the gum level on the neck of the tooth
Although it is shown that this condition is caused by gum recession due to advancing age or brushing teeth with excessive pressure, it should be known that bruxism causes such formations in teeth.
Swaying teeth
As a result of years of grinding, teeth loosen and begin to shake. Excessive pressure causes the bone support surrounding the teeth to disappear. To compensate for this situation, extra bone protrusions develop at the roots of the teeth.
Irritation in the cheeks
A fibrous formation in the form of a line or bulge occurs on the inside of the cheek, especially at the line of the closing line where the teeth touch each other. Due to this formation, "cheek biting" is often seen. event is encountered.
Muscle pain
Excessive work of the muscles, especially in the temple and cheek area, causes muscle pain in these areas.
Headache
The muscle pain mentioned above sometimes manifests itself as a headache.
Pain in the jaw joint
Pain, crackling and clenching in the joint may occur due to excessive load on the jaw joint.
These symptoms do not appear immediately after the onset of teeth grinding. Depending on the severity and duration of the event, it can sometimes be seen years later. Often, not all of the symptoms may be present at once. Sometimes, it may show very few symptoms.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to prevent permanent damage that may occur in the jaw joint of the teeth and to eliminate pain. "Night guards" applied by the dentist and placed between the lower and upper jaw teeth to prevent the teeth from touching each other during sleep are the most important tools used in the symptomatic treatment of teeth grinding.
However, night guards are often not sufficient on their own. Therefore, depending on the disease's presentation, some additional treatments should be applied in addition to night guards:
- Stress therapy,
- Measures to ensure comfortable sleep,
- Muscle relaxant medication application,
- Replacement of faulty dental fillings and coatings, Prosthetic applications to replace missing teeth.
