Bruxism

During night, do you clench tightly or grind your teeth?

You are affected by bruxism, a pathology caused by stress. Watch out, this teeth grinding induces a premature teeth wear…

"It is a stress valve!"

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, affects 15 à 20% of western population. Two types of bruxism exist but are not mastered as they take place during our sleep.

Centered bruxism is a motionless teeth clenching. This sort of reaction could lead sometimes to jaw muscles pains, similar to stiffness once awaken.

Off-centered bruxism is more embarrassing, either for your bed partner or for the safety of your teeth : it is similar to chewing without any chewing-gum, that is teeth clenching with jaw displacements.

When you clench your jaws:

- The elevator muscles are contracted.

- Articulations are under efforts.

- Teeth endure significant pressures.

- Gums and bones could be seriously damaged in case of insufficient hygiene.

In case of bruxism, various symptoms could appear on one or more of the following elements.

Muscles: pain at face level due to muscles clenching your teeth. A hypertrophy of these muscles is often observed, expanding the way a bodybuilding do. This pain can extend up to the skull, to the neck and even to the back. One feels tiredness when awaken and a somewhat difficulty to wide open  one’s mouth.

Articulations: cracks, ledges, deviation and limitation of mouth opening.

Teeth: wear,  cracks and vertical fractures, that could lead to tooth extraction.

Gums and bones: receding gums (support bone loss), looseness.

If nothing is undertaken, it is the weakest set link that will give up!

There exist severe bruxism forms: dental wear becomes quite significant, natural protective mechanisms do not operate anymore and the destructive effect increases to a large extent. The psychological aspect of this desease takes a considerable importance. It is a pointer to mental issues.