Bruxism - A Common But Destructive Habit and Srategies For I

Bruxism, like teeth grinding, is a destructive habit that left uncorrected can , over time, cause significant damage to the mouth and jaw. Possible undesirable sequelae include tooth sensitivity, tooth erosion (both of enamel and dentin), cracked tooth syndrome, gingival recession, and a gradual attrition of the edges of the anterior teeth creating a less attractive smile.

The two syndromes are not intimately related. Bruxism is more common and can occur during the day or night. It involves a patient clenching his teeth together by flexing the masseter muscles. Often lateral pressure is exerted on the inclines of the occlusal surfaces of the teeth.

Over time bruxism can cause a number of destructive problems. It causes accelerated attrition of the enamel edges, as well as the development of abfractions in the cervical region of teeth involved. Patients whose occlusion is 'cuspid guided' are though to be somewhat protected from the worst effects of bruxism. Patients with a Cuspid Guided occlusion usually have only their cuspid teeth contacting when they make side to side excursions. Even these patients with initial cuspid guidance will have problems if they engage in clenching long enough Their occlusion can gradually shift as they age, to 'Group Function,' an occlusion that allows patients to clench their teeth together comfortably with greater force. Probably this causes increases in bruxism as patients gets older, due to a shift from a 'cuspid protected' occlusion to group function.

Bruxism and possibly tooth grinding have habits that may in some way function as tension relievers. Just as some people when nervous tap their pencils, bite their nails, chew their cheeks, and bite on their lips. It seems that small repetitive actions do distract people from thinking about what is making them tense. Many of these actions can result in slight discomfort (cheek biting, lip biting, pinching oneself)

Bruxism (and tooth grinding) can cause inflammation of the masseter muscles and can cause permanent destructive changes to the temporomandibular joint.. Often patients with inflamed masseter muscles complain of a feeling of soreness in their cheeks.

Related articles

• Tonsilloliths and Halitosis - How to Cure Them
• A Tonsil Stone? What is a Tonsil Stone Anyway?
• Get Rid of Tonsil Stones - Two Approaches on Tonsil Stone Re
• Causes of Periodontitis Disease and Cavities
• Say Hello to a Tonsillolith