Bruxism, after all, what is it?
Bruxism is defined as an unconscious or involuntary action of grinding the teeth, typically during sleep.
It is, in fact, a disorder characterized by both grinding and clenching the teeth involuntarily, causing strain on the chewing muscles, which can lead to tooth wear, thereby compromising oral health.
The causes are not fully defined, although they are mainly associated with the following:
- Anxiety;
- Stress and/or frustration;
- Dental misalignment;
- Side effects of medications – (e.g., antidepressants);
- Complications of systemic diseases;
- Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption;
- Smoking habits.
The main symptoms identified are:
- Headaches;
- Pain/discomfort in the temporomandibular joint (area in front of the ear);
- Pain in the chewing muscles (waking up with the sensation of having been chewing all night);
- Limited mouth opening;
- Stiffness in the shoulders and neck;
- Tooth wear (in later stages);
- Sleep disturbances.
The important thing is to find out if you suffer from this parafunction to stop its effects as early as possible. How is it diagnosed? If you sleep with a partner, ask if you grind your teeth (make noise). Additionally, during the consultation, the dentist can observe some characteristic signs of bruxism, which can be further confirmed with a sleep study.
The consequences of bruxism can be controlled with some behavioral changes and the use of a myorelaxant mouthguard, which protects the teeth from wear and reduces muscle activity. The mouthguard is a quick solution that minimizes pain, if any, and prevents permanent damage. However, the origin of the bruxism should always be investigated so that it can be treated.
Written by Raquel Brandão Carvalho
