Bruxism It is a condition that Cause endless pain Both at the mandibular level and in the ears, head or neck, in addition to related problems such as tooth wear or tooth sensitivity, bite changes, enamel erosion and loss of pieces such as fillings or crowns. As we can see, there are many problems that this can cause us.
And, even though we don’t realize it at night We clench our teeth and jaws, Or they grind, pull the muscles of the area and cause severe pain from the morning when we wake up, even able to wake us up and not let us sleep.
Is bruxism a growing problem?
Qualification is the first thing Michelle PauleyDentists in the Care, Innovation and Clinical Quality Division of Sanitas Dental, bruxism cannot be considered a pathology in itself, but rather a symptom of one or more underlying conditions. “Bruxism is characterized by overactive chewing muscles Repetitive or sustained contact of teethAlthough there may be no tooth contact and there may be one Forced jaw posture”, he explains to us. Therefore, according to him, moving away from the classic view that it is a pathology, we can say that it is a symptomatology that is increasing. “As demonstrated by Sanitas Oral Health Study 2024. According to this analysis, more than 1 in 5 Spaniards are diagnosed with bruxism (21.13% vs. 18.91% in 2023),” he noted.
© Getty ImagesWhat are the main causes of these health problems?
It is considered Many reasons, Taking into account a combination of various psychosocial, physiological/biological and external factors, and this is how Sanitas Dentists describes them:
- Psychosocial factors: Sensitivity to stress and anxiety.
- Physiological/biological causes: Dopamine has an inhibitory effect, while adrenaline and norepinephrine are activatory.
- External causes: Alcohol, smoking, caffeine and some drugs can have active effects.
“In recent scientific definitions, it is ruled out that this is a factor in tooth position,” he points out.
Stress management through relaxation techniques such as meditation and sleep hygiene is recommended.
What solutions are there to address this problem?
As we said, bruxism is always a symptom of one or more underlying conditions. Therefore, Dr. Pauli points out that if the specific cause is not identified, Treatment is aimed at managing negative consequences When these are present.
- First, the doctor indicates that it is advisable Use unloading splints which protects teeth from fractures and fissures and reduces wear.
- It also recommends stress management through relaxation techniques such as meditation and sleep hygiene. And both work and stress due to personal problems are not the best allies of bruxism, so it is essential to relax with yoga, meditation or mindfulness classes, and if we have some time, spend a few minutes doing facial gymnastics to help relax the muscles.
- The sanitas specialist suggested an arrangement Appointment with a physiotherapist. In patients with muscle pain and fatigue, stretching and jaw mobility exercises help relieve muscle tension.
- Mention other recommendations for jaw pain due to bruxism food, Avoid solids that require a lot of chewing and applying heat to stressed areas.
© Getty ImagesAlternatives to discharge splints
We wonder if, faced with such a common problem in our society, there are alternatives beyond the well-known unloading splint use and underlying stress management. “If the above-mentioned strategies do not work and we are faced with a serious case, it is evaluated Treat the area with botulinum toxin. Reduce the intensity, as it reduces the force of muscle contraction,” advises the Sanitas expert.
Recently, a method called wonderful face, From the Spanish company Wonder Technology, as it uses bruxism in an innovative way, Neuromuscular emissions and radio frequency: “This therapeutic method works on facial muscles, promoting relaxation and reducing accumulated tension. Neuromuscular stimulation stimulates muscle fibers, improves circulation and relieves pain associated with bruxism. For its part, radiofrequency penetrates the deepest layers of the skin. , which helps and promotes cell regeneration, restoring muscle tone. Together, these techniques not only improve muscle function, they improve well-being and quality of life Also provides value, allowing for more relaxation without discomfort,” he elaborated. Alexander PerezFounder CEO of Wonder Technologies.
Useful tips if you have bruxism
- in particular, Avoid chewing gum or chewing objects Like a pen to avoid increasing tension in the jaw.
- Besides, Take breaks throughout the day to relax your face and jawEspecially if you work in front of a computer.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine.
- It is also useful Listen to relaxing music Or drink herbal tea to reduce daily stress. Keeping the house cool, excess heat will make it more difficult for us to sleep and rest properly.
- And before sleep, Apply heat to the facial area With a warm towel to relax the muscles.
In more severe cases, it can cause sleep problems and affect quality of daily life due to persistent pain and discomfort.
Avoid negative consequences
All these measures should be taken to try to eliminate the larger problems and consequences that can arise from a bruxism problem that is not corrected in time.
“Some types of bruxism do not require treatment, however, when Effects on tooth structureFor example, severe tooth wear, cracked teeth and even fractures require the help of a dental professional,” he tells us.
In addition, it can cause chronic headaches, tension in the jaw and neck, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, which make it difficult to chew or open the mouth. “In more severe cases, it can cause sleep problems and affect the quality of daily life due to persistent pain and discomfort,” concludes Dr. Michele Pauli.
