Right now, hypnosis is used to treat a lot of behavioral problems. And during the recent years, experts are taking advantage of its use for bruxism. Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. Teeth grinding is that annoying sound people unknowingly make while asleep.
Bruxism can be caused by a lot of factors. Research show that bruxism could develop due to the physical defects of the jaws and teeth. However, stress is also a big factor why people grind their teeth at night. And it is also on this cause where hypnosis is most effective at.
Practitioners say that hypnosis is the best solution to bruxism caused by jaw tension. While a night guard may do a good job in preventing denture damages, it cannot reduce the pain in the head and the neck that are also caused by teeth grinding.
Bruxism patients are required to attend a 30-minute hypnosis session to correct the problem. The therapy could be just one session or more, depending upon the patient's mental stature. Inside the session, the subconscious of the patient are be taught to feel the sensation created when the upper and lower teeth touches each other. And the moment that happens, the mind is instructed to relax the jaw muscles and create a comfortable space between the teeth.
For people who find going to a therapist a little too much on their budget, they could opt for a bruxism hypnosis CD instead. The CD is best used before sleeping so it is easier to achieve a state of total relaxation. Some people report that using a hypnosis CD is as effective as the one conducted personally by a hypnotherapist.
On the average, patients who subjected themselves to hypnosis session for bruxism claim that they experience relief two to three nights after the therapy session. Luckier patients go through immediate relief. This means that right at the night of the therapy session, they don't grind their teeth any longer.
However, it is important to note that hypnosis, just like other treatment methods, is a healing process. Patients should not be too impatient on the results of the therapy. It could take some time to work, especially on people whose minds are not too accommodative to these types of treatment procedures.
If you want to try hypnosis as a permanent solution to bruxism, talk to a hypnotic expert whose proficiency lies on the treatment of bruxism. Local therapists who had gained reputation in the practice are your best choices.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Complete Information on Burning mouth syndrome
| by Abraham Galvin | July 07, 2008
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes pain in the mouth, lips or tongue without any clear reason. There are often no visible signs of irritation. The cause of the syndrome may be caused by the onset of menopause to vitamin deficiencies. Both men and women can get BMS. About 5% of the population, usually people over the age of 60 are affected with this condition. Personality and mood changes (especially anxiety and depression) have been consistently demonstrated in patients with burning mouth syndrome and have been used to suggest that the disorder is a psychogenic problem.
Burning mouth syndrome has not been linked to any specific medical condition, associations with a wide variety of concurrent health conditions and chronic pain conditions, involved headaches. Using blink reflex and thermal quantitative sensory tests have demonstrated signs of neuropathy in most people with burning mouth syndrome. Hormonal changes are still considered to be important factors in burning mouth syndrome. Other possible causes of BMS include nutritional deficiencies, allergies, certain medications, certain medical conditions, hormonal changes during menopause and dry mouth.
Treatment of burning mouth syndrome is highly individualized and depends on your particular signs and symptoms and on the underlying cause or causes. Treatment triggers improvement in symptoms for most people with burning mouth syndrome. Use of low dosages of clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium)13 and tricyclic antidepressants. Capsaicin (hot pepper) mouth rinses may also help some people with BMS. Thioctic acid may be a treatment for burning mouth syndrome. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS): double blind controlled study of alpha-lipoic acid (thioctic acid) therapy.
Avoiding foods that contain allergens that may irritate the tissues of your mouth may help. Tongue thrusting and teeth grinding (bruxism) can be helped with mouth guards, medications and relaxation techniques. There are many other tips is helpful this condition. Brush your teeth/dentures with baking soda and water. Avoid alcohol and tobacco products. Avoid irritating substances like hot, spicy foods; mouthwashes that contain alcohol; and products high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices.
About the Author
Abraham Galvin writes articles for health problems. She also writes articles for haircuts ideas and know how to get perfect hairstyles.
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes pain in the mouth, lips or tongue without any clear reason. There are often no visible signs of irritation. The cause of the syndrome may be caused by the onset of menopause to vitamin deficiencies. Both men and women can get BMS. About 5% of the population, usually people over the age of 60 are affected with this condition. Personality and mood changes (especially anxiety and depression) have been consistently demonstrated in patients with burning mouth syndrome and have been used to suggest that the disorder is a psychogenic problem.
Burning mouth syndrome has not been linked to any specific medical condition, associations with a wide variety of concurrent health conditions and chronic pain conditions, involved headaches. Using blink reflex and thermal quantitative sensory tests have demonstrated signs of neuropathy in most people with burning mouth syndrome. Hormonal changes are still considered to be important factors in burning mouth syndrome. Other possible causes of BMS include nutritional deficiencies, allergies, certain medications, certain medical conditions, hormonal changes during menopause and dry mouth.
Treatment of burning mouth syndrome is highly individualized and depends on your particular signs and symptoms and on the underlying cause or causes. Treatment triggers improvement in symptoms for most people with burning mouth syndrome. Use of low dosages of clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium)13 and tricyclic antidepressants. Capsaicin (hot pepper) mouth rinses may also help some people with BMS. Thioctic acid may be a treatment for burning mouth syndrome. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS): double blind controlled study of alpha-lipoic acid (thioctic acid) therapy.
Avoiding foods that contain allergens that may irritate the tissues of your mouth may help. Tongue thrusting and teeth grinding (bruxism) can be helped with mouth guards, medications and relaxation techniques. There are many other tips is helpful this condition. Brush your teeth/dentures with baking soda and water. Avoid alcohol and tobacco products. Avoid irritating substances like hot, spicy foods; mouthwashes that contain alcohol; and products high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices.
About the Author
Abraham Galvin writes articles for health problems. She also writes articles for haircuts ideas and know how to get perfect hairstyles.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Treatment approaches for bruxism in children
Bruxism is a destructive habit that may result in severe dental deterioration. Therefore, it is mandatory to take your child to your dentist for evaluation of bruxism.
Sleep problems are frequent among healthy school going children seen at general pediatric practice. Sleep related problems were reported in 42.7% children that included nocturnal enuresis (18.4%), sleep talking (14.6%), bruxism (11.6%) nightmares (6.8%), night terrors (2.9%) snoring (5.8%) and sleepwalking (1.9%). Bruxism is a destructive habit. It is defined as the nonproductive diurnal or nocturnal clenching or grinding of the teeth. Bruxism happens in about 15 percent of youngsters and in as many as 96 percent of grown-ups. The etiology of bruxism is unclear. It has been linked with stress, occlusal disorders, allergies and sleep positioning. In addition, type A personality behavior combined with stress is more predictive of bruxism. Because of its nonspecific pathology, bruxism may be difficult to diagnose. Beside complaints from sleep partners, clenching-grinding, sleep bruxism, myofacial pain, craniomaxillofacial musculoskeletal pain, temporomandibular disorders, oro-facial pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue spectrum disorders are linked. The main clinical signs of bruxism comprise tooth wear, tooth mobility, hypertrophy masticatory muscles, and tender joints. Other symptoms of bruxism are multiple and diverse. They include temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction, head and neck pain, erosion, abrasion, loss of and damage to supporting structures, headaches, oral infection, tooth sensitivity muscle pain and spasm, disturbance of aesthetics, and interference and oral discomfort.
Treatment for bruxism may be simple or complex, depending on the nature of the disorder. Severe bruxism disorders are difficult to treat and their prognoses also may be questionable. Children with bruxism are generally managed with observation and reassurance. Most of the children's bruxism habit will disappear naturally as they grow up. Adults may be managed with stress reduction therapy, modification of sleep positioning, drug therapy, biofeedback training, physical therapy and dental evaluation. Correction of the malocclusion with orthodontic procedures, restorative procedures, or occlusal adjustment by selective grinding will not control the bruxism habit.
What about prevention? Researchers have found only a weak correlation between different types of morphologic malocclusion such as Class II and III molar relationship, deep bite, overjet, and dental wear or grinding. Moreover, there is no correlation between periodontal disease and bruxism in children. Because the malocclusions' status in children does not increase the probability of bruxism, early orthodontic treatment (braces) to prevent bruxism is not scientifically justified. Bruxism is a destructive habit that may result in severe dental deterioration. Bruxism in childhood may be a persistent trait. The occlusal trauma and tooth wear in childhood bruxism can be succeeded by increased anterior tooth wear 20 years later. If your child has significant tooth attrition, dental mobility or tooth fracture may happen. Therefore, it is mandatory to take your child to your dentist for evaluation of bruxism.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For more information, contact Dr. Nguyen at drnguyen@softdental.com or visit www.softdental.com.
Sleep problems are frequent among healthy school going children seen at general pediatric practice. Sleep related problems were reported in 42.7% children that included nocturnal enuresis (18.4%), sleep talking (14.6%), bruxism (11.6%) nightmares (6.8%), night terrors (2.9%) snoring (5.8%) and sleepwalking (1.9%). Bruxism is a destructive habit. It is defined as the nonproductive diurnal or nocturnal clenching or grinding of the teeth. Bruxism happens in about 15 percent of youngsters and in as many as 96 percent of grown-ups. The etiology of bruxism is unclear. It has been linked with stress, occlusal disorders, allergies and sleep positioning. In addition, type A personality behavior combined with stress is more predictive of bruxism. Because of its nonspecific pathology, bruxism may be difficult to diagnose. Beside complaints from sleep partners, clenching-grinding, sleep bruxism, myofacial pain, craniomaxillofacial musculoskeletal pain, temporomandibular disorders, oro-facial pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue spectrum disorders are linked. The main clinical signs of bruxism comprise tooth wear, tooth mobility, hypertrophy masticatory muscles, and tender joints. Other symptoms of bruxism are multiple and diverse. They include temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction, head and neck pain, erosion, abrasion, loss of and damage to supporting structures, headaches, oral infection, tooth sensitivity muscle pain and spasm, disturbance of aesthetics, and interference and oral discomfort.
Treatment for bruxism may be simple or complex, depending on the nature of the disorder. Severe bruxism disorders are difficult to treat and their prognoses also may be questionable. Children with bruxism are generally managed with observation and reassurance. Most of the children's bruxism habit will disappear naturally as they grow up. Adults may be managed with stress reduction therapy, modification of sleep positioning, drug therapy, biofeedback training, physical therapy and dental evaluation. Correction of the malocclusion with orthodontic procedures, restorative procedures, or occlusal adjustment by selective grinding will not control the bruxism habit.
What about prevention? Researchers have found only a weak correlation between different types of morphologic malocclusion such as Class II and III molar relationship, deep bite, overjet, and dental wear or grinding. Moreover, there is no correlation between periodontal disease and bruxism in children. Because the malocclusions' status in children does not increase the probability of bruxism, early orthodontic treatment (braces) to prevent bruxism is not scientifically justified. Bruxism is a destructive habit that may result in severe dental deterioration. Bruxism in childhood may be a persistent trait. The occlusal trauma and tooth wear in childhood bruxism can be succeeded by increased anterior tooth wear 20 years later. If your child has significant tooth attrition, dental mobility or tooth fracture may happen. Therefore, it is mandatory to take your child to your dentist for evaluation of bruxism.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For more information, contact Dr. Nguyen at drnguyen@softdental.com or visit www.softdental.com.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
How to Stop Bruxism – is There a Permanent Cure for Bruxism
Are you trying to find out how to stop bruxism? Is there really a cure for bruxism that can treat bruxism permanently?
Well, it depends on what are the causes of your teeth grinding. Depending on the causes, the treatment meted out will be different.
Here are some common causes and treatment of bruxism:
1) Stress
It is said that stress is the number one cause of bruxism. In this situation, the most obvious cure is to work on your stress level. There are many things that you can do to reduce stress.
Exercises like yoga and taiji are very effective in relieving stress. You may even try to relax before you sleep by listening to some relaxing music. If your conditon is caused by stress, this approach can be very effective in stopping bruxism.
2) Drugs
Certain drugs may cause bruxism as a side effect. Consult your doctors and dentists and find out what is the actual problem. If the drugs are causing you to grind your teeth at night, sometimes, all that is necessary is for your doctor to change the drug that you are consuming.
3) Defect in your teeth structure
Sometimes, dental problems can also cause bruxism. A possible treatment may be to perform surgery to correct your teeth structure. You will want to consult your dentist about it.
What happens if the methods described above doesn't stop bruxism. In such a situation, you dentist may give you a night guard for you to wear inside your mouth. However, this is not a permanent solution as you are still grinding your teeth. The only difference is that now, you are damaging the mouth guard instead of your own teeth.
While bruxism is not a very serious disease, you should try to stop bruxism as soon as possible it as it can lead to very serious, long term damage to your teeth if you don't start doing something about it now.
Well, it depends on what are the causes of your teeth grinding. Depending on the causes, the treatment meted out will be different.
Here are some common causes and treatment of bruxism:
1) Stress
It is said that stress is the number one cause of bruxism. In this situation, the most obvious cure is to work on your stress level. There are many things that you can do to reduce stress.
Exercises like yoga and taiji are very effective in relieving stress. You may even try to relax before you sleep by listening to some relaxing music. If your conditon is caused by stress, this approach can be very effective in stopping bruxism.
2) Drugs
Certain drugs may cause bruxism as a side effect. Consult your doctors and dentists and find out what is the actual problem. If the drugs are causing you to grind your teeth at night, sometimes, all that is necessary is for your doctor to change the drug that you are consuming.
3) Defect in your teeth structure
Sometimes, dental problems can also cause bruxism. A possible treatment may be to perform surgery to correct your teeth structure. You will want to consult your dentist about it.
What happens if the methods described above doesn't stop bruxism. In such a situation, you dentist may give you a night guard for you to wear inside your mouth. However, this is not a permanent solution as you are still grinding your teeth. The only difference is that now, you are damaging the mouth guard instead of your own teeth.
While bruxism is not a very serious disease, you should try to stop bruxism as soon as possible it as it can lead to very serious, long term damage to your teeth if you don't start doing something about it now.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Bruxism: Is It A Disease Or An Uncontrolled Behavior?
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. It can be considered both as a disease and as an uncontrolled behavior. Bruxism is defined as the act of consciously or unconsciously clenching one's teeth during the day or while sleeping.
People suffering from bruxism are rarely aware of their condition, especially if they tend to grind their teeth at night. Oftentimes, it is their roommates or their sleeping partners that are affected by their condition the most. Teeth clenching during the night may disrupt the patient's and another person's sleep, much to their discomfort. Teeth grinding comes in different levels of severity.
With that said, bruxism is officially classified as a medical and a dental problem. Doctors believe that teeth grinding may be caused by stress suffered during the day carried out throughout the night. It may also be due to the following psychological concerns: frustration, anger, and an aggressive personality. Physically, bruxism may be caused by the abnormal alignment and development of teeth and jaws. Or it can be caused by other diseases and may show up as a side effect of certain drugs and medications.
To treat bruxism, it is important for patients consult both a doctor and a dentist. The dentist is normally the first stop. The dentist would check the extent of the patient's teeth grinding activities and would evaluate if it were caused by the defects in the structure of the jaws and teeth. If it were, then the dentist would proceed with the proper course of treatment right then and there. Otherwise, the patient would be referred to a medical professional or a psychologist to address the problem.
The cure for bruxism caused by physical defects on the teeth and jaws is surgery. For some patients, the use of night guards is sufficient. Bruxism may give way to total denture damage if not treated right away. And that could mean thousands of dollars in reconstructive dental restoration. For kids, intensive treatment courses are rarely necessary because they usually outgrow the condition.
Bruxism caused by stress and other psychological problems are best addressed with behavior correction therapies. Here, the patient is subjected to a series of counseling in order to condition their minds away from the roots of the problem.
If bruxism is caused by medical concerns like an underlying disease, or if it developed as a side effect, a medical practitioner will be tasked to find the cure. A different set of medications with minimal or no side effects may be given to the patient, if it were diagnosed that the bruxism is the side effect of certain drugs. Oral medications that relax the jaws and facial muscles may be prescribed as well.
More than anything else, bruxism is a health concern. It is not advisable for patients to simply ignore it or live with it. Bruxism has to be addressed right on its onset. This is to make sure that complications like severe head pains are prevented.
People suffering from bruxism are rarely aware of their condition, especially if they tend to grind their teeth at night. Oftentimes, it is their roommates or their sleeping partners that are affected by their condition the most. Teeth clenching during the night may disrupt the patient's and another person's sleep, much to their discomfort. Teeth grinding comes in different levels of severity.
With that said, bruxism is officially classified as a medical and a dental problem. Doctors believe that teeth grinding may be caused by stress suffered during the day carried out throughout the night. It may also be due to the following psychological concerns: frustration, anger, and an aggressive personality. Physically, bruxism may be caused by the abnormal alignment and development of teeth and jaws. Or it can be caused by other diseases and may show up as a side effect of certain drugs and medications.
To treat bruxism, it is important for patients consult both a doctor and a dentist. The dentist is normally the first stop. The dentist would check the extent of the patient's teeth grinding activities and would evaluate if it were caused by the defects in the structure of the jaws and teeth. If it were, then the dentist would proceed with the proper course of treatment right then and there. Otherwise, the patient would be referred to a medical professional or a psychologist to address the problem.
The cure for bruxism caused by physical defects on the teeth and jaws is surgery. For some patients, the use of night guards is sufficient. Bruxism may give way to total denture damage if not treated right away. And that could mean thousands of dollars in reconstructive dental restoration. For kids, intensive treatment courses are rarely necessary because they usually outgrow the condition.
Bruxism caused by stress and other psychological problems are best addressed with behavior correction therapies. Here, the patient is subjected to a series of counseling in order to condition their minds away from the roots of the problem.
If bruxism is caused by medical concerns like an underlying disease, or if it developed as a side effect, a medical practitioner will be tasked to find the cure. A different set of medications with minimal or no side effects may be given to the patient, if it were diagnosed that the bruxism is the side effect of certain drugs. Oral medications that relax the jaws and facial muscles may be prescribed as well.
More than anything else, bruxism is a health concern. It is not advisable for patients to simply ignore it or live with it. Bruxism has to be addressed right on its onset. This is to make sure that complications like severe head pains are prevented.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Treatment Approaches for Bruxism in Children
Sleep problems are frequent among healthy school going children seen at general pediatric practice. Sleep related problems were reported in 42.7% children that included nocturnal enuresis (18.4%), sleep talking (14.6%), bruxism (11.6%) nightmares (6.8%), night terrors (2.9%) snoring (5.8%) and sleepwalking (1.9%). Bruxism is a destructive habit. It is defined as the nonproductive diurnal or nocturnal clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Bruxism happens in about 15 percent of youngsters and in as many as 96 percent of grown-ups. The etiology of bruxism is unclear. It has been linked with stress, occlusal disorders, allergies and sleep positioning. In addition, type A personality behavior combined with stress is more predictive of bruxism. Because of its nonspecific pathology, bruxism may be difficult to diagnose.
Beside complaints from sleep partners, clenching-grinding, sleep bruxism, myofacial pain, craniomaxillofacial musculoskeletal pain, temporomandibular disorders, oro-facial pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue spectrum disorders are linked. The main clinical signs of bruxism comprise tooth wear, tooth mobility, hypertrophy masticatory muscles, and tender joints. Other symptoms of bruxism are multiple and diverse. They include temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction, head and neck pain, erosion, abrasion, loss of and damage to supporting structures, headaches, oral infection, tooth sensitivity muscle pain and spasm, disturbance of aesthetics, and interference and oral discomfort.
Treatment for bruxism may be simple or complex, depending on the nature of the disorder. Severe bruxism disorders are difficult to treat and their prognoses also may be questionable. Children with bruxism are generally managed with observation and reassurance. Most of the children's bruxism habit will disappear naturally as they grow up. Adults may be managed with stress reduction therapy, modification of sleep positioning, drug therapy, biofeedback training, physical therapy and dental evaluation. Correction of the malocclusion with orthodontic procedures, restorative procedures, or occlusal adjustment by selective grinding will not control the bruxism habit.
What about prevention? Researchers have found only a weak correlation between different types of morphologic malocclusion such as Class II and III molar relationship, deep bite, overjet, and dental wear or grinding. Moreover, there is no correlation between periodontal disease and bruxism in children. Because the malocclusions' status in children does not increase the probability of bruxism, early orthodontic treatment (braces) to prevent bruxism is not scientifically justified.
Bruxism is a destructive habit that may result in severe dental deterioration. Bruxism in childhood may be a persistent trait. The occlusal trauma and tooth wear in childhood bruxism can be succeeded by increased anterior tooth wear 20 years later. If your child has significant tooth attrition, dental mobility or tooth fracture may happen. Therefore, it is mandatory to take your child to your dentist for evaluation of bruxism.
Bruxism happens in about 15 percent of youngsters and in as many as 96 percent of grown-ups. The etiology of bruxism is unclear. It has been linked with stress, occlusal disorders, allergies and sleep positioning. In addition, type A personality behavior combined with stress is more predictive of bruxism. Because of its nonspecific pathology, bruxism may be difficult to diagnose.
Beside complaints from sleep partners, clenching-grinding, sleep bruxism, myofacial pain, craniomaxillofacial musculoskeletal pain, temporomandibular disorders, oro-facial pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue spectrum disorders are linked. The main clinical signs of bruxism comprise tooth wear, tooth mobility, hypertrophy masticatory muscles, and tender joints. Other symptoms of bruxism are multiple and diverse. They include temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction, head and neck pain, erosion, abrasion, loss of and damage to supporting structures, headaches, oral infection, tooth sensitivity muscle pain and spasm, disturbance of aesthetics, and interference and oral discomfort.
Treatment for bruxism may be simple or complex, depending on the nature of the disorder. Severe bruxism disorders are difficult to treat and their prognoses also may be questionable. Children with bruxism are generally managed with observation and reassurance. Most of the children's bruxism habit will disappear naturally as they grow up. Adults may be managed with stress reduction therapy, modification of sleep positioning, drug therapy, biofeedback training, physical therapy and dental evaluation. Correction of the malocclusion with orthodontic procedures, restorative procedures, or occlusal adjustment by selective grinding will not control the bruxism habit.
What about prevention? Researchers have found only a weak correlation between different types of morphologic malocclusion such as Class II and III molar relationship, deep bite, overjet, and dental wear or grinding. Moreover, there is no correlation between periodontal disease and bruxism in children. Because the malocclusions' status in children does not increase the probability of bruxism, early orthodontic treatment (braces) to prevent bruxism is not scientifically justified.
Bruxism is a destructive habit that may result in severe dental deterioration. Bruxism in childhood may be a persistent trait. The occlusal trauma and tooth wear in childhood bruxism can be succeeded by increased anterior tooth wear 20 years later. If your child has significant tooth attrition, dental mobility or tooth fracture may happen. Therefore, it is mandatory to take your child to your dentist for evaluation of bruxism.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Bruxism and Depression: is There a Link?
Author: Jay Sanders
Bruxism is the medical term given to the ghastly habit of grinding the teeth. Most people who are suffering from this condition don't know about it, for they usually clench their teeth during their sleep. Several studies show that bruxism may be related to a person's state of mind. Depressed individuals tend to grind their teeth while they sleep for certain reasons. In a certain medical research, it was found out that bruxism could be a person's response to hidden aggressions, anxieties, and fears. People who tend to keep their emotions to themselves are likely to express it in some other ways. And so during the night, they unconsciously and uncontrollably gnash their teeth. Depressed individuals, especially those who are not aware of their condition, tend to turn to alcohol to forget about their problems. This is another reason they tend to suffer from bruxism. Alcohol is known to aggravate bruxism. To treat teeth grinding due to depression, the role of are nutrition, therapy, and anti-depressants come into play. Calcium is the nutrient most recommended for depressed patients suffering from bruxism. It is advisable for such patients to follow a high-calcium diet to help regulate the involuntary movement of their jaw muscles. However, calcium rich foods from dairy products are not enough. It is also important to take in magnesium that is commonly found in wholegrain, so that calcium can be assimilated. Both calcium and magnesium can correct the poor functions of the muscles and helps calm and control the central nervous system. Depression patients are advised to go through their regular counseling sessions to fully address their condition. This is best coupled with behavioral correction therapies that can help treat tooth grinding as well. Psychiatrists may prescribe antidepressant drugs to their patients. It is essential to take these drugs regularly as per the instructions of the health expert. There are also herbal remedies that can help address the cases of teeth grinding that is related to depression. The use of natural herbs and teas can help a lot in releasing tension, stress, and anxiety. The herbs of choice that works especially for this purpose are passionflower, peppermint, hops, fennel, and lemon balm. Drink any of these teas an hour before going to bed for a more relaxed, restful sleep. Teeth grinding and emotional problems are interrelated. This is the reason why it is very important to know the root cause of the bruxism for the proper treatment to be carried out. A healthy state of mind and good balance of emotions can help a lot in managing teeth grinding and its effects on one's health.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/bruxism-and-depression-is-there-a-link-500906.html
About the Author:
Find out more about grinding teeth , its causes and symptoms, treatments for teeth grinding and mouth night guards at TeethGrindingCure.com!
Bruxism is the medical term given to the ghastly habit of grinding the teeth. Most people who are suffering from this condition don't know about it, for they usually clench their teeth during their sleep. Several studies show that bruxism may be related to a person's state of mind. Depressed individuals tend to grind their teeth while they sleep for certain reasons. In a certain medical research, it was found out that bruxism could be a person's response to hidden aggressions, anxieties, and fears. People who tend to keep their emotions to themselves are likely to express it in some other ways. And so during the night, they unconsciously and uncontrollably gnash their teeth. Depressed individuals, especially those who are not aware of their condition, tend to turn to alcohol to forget about their problems. This is another reason they tend to suffer from bruxism. Alcohol is known to aggravate bruxism. To treat teeth grinding due to depression, the role of are nutrition, therapy, and anti-depressants come into play. Calcium is the nutrient most recommended for depressed patients suffering from bruxism. It is advisable for such patients to follow a high-calcium diet to help regulate the involuntary movement of their jaw muscles. However, calcium rich foods from dairy products are not enough. It is also important to take in magnesium that is commonly found in wholegrain, so that calcium can be assimilated. Both calcium and magnesium can correct the poor functions of the muscles and helps calm and control the central nervous system. Depression patients are advised to go through their regular counseling sessions to fully address their condition. This is best coupled with behavioral correction therapies that can help treat tooth grinding as well. Psychiatrists may prescribe antidepressant drugs to their patients. It is essential to take these drugs regularly as per the instructions of the health expert. There are also herbal remedies that can help address the cases of teeth grinding that is related to depression. The use of natural herbs and teas can help a lot in releasing tension, stress, and anxiety. The herbs of choice that works especially for this purpose are passionflower, peppermint, hops, fennel, and lemon balm. Drink any of these teas an hour before going to bed for a more relaxed, restful sleep. Teeth grinding and emotional problems are interrelated. This is the reason why it is very important to know the root cause of the bruxism for the proper treatment to be carried out. A healthy state of mind and good balance of emotions can help a lot in managing teeth grinding and its effects on one's health.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/bruxism-and-depression-is-there-a-link-500906.html
About the Author:
Find out more about grinding teeth , its causes and symptoms, treatments for teeth grinding and mouth night guards at TeethGrindingCure.com!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Treatment Approaches for Bruxism in Children
Author: Minh Nguyen, D.d.s.
Sleep problems are frequent among healthy school going children seen at general pediatric practice. Sleep related problems were reported in 42.7% children that included nocturnal enuresis (18.4%), sleep talking (14.6%), bruxism (11.6%) nightmares (6.8%), night terrors (2.9%) snoring (5.8%) and sleepwalking (1.9%). Bruxism is a destructive habit. It is defined as the nonproductive diurnal or nocturnal clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Bruxism happens in about 15 percent of youngsters and in as many as 96 percent of grown-ups. The etiology of bruxism is unclear. It has been linked with stress, occlusal disorders, allergies and sleep positioning. In addition, type A personality behavior combined with stress is more predictive of bruxism. Because of its nonspecific pathology, bruxism may be difficult to diagnose.
Beside complaints from sleep partners, clenching-grinding, sleep bruxism, myofacial pain, craniomaxillofacial musculoskeletal pain, temporomandibular disorders, oro-facial pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue spectrum disorders are linked. The main clinical signs of bruxism comprise tooth wear, tooth mobility, hypertrophy masticatory muscles, and tender joints. Other symptoms of bruxism are multiple and diverse. They include temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction, head and neck pain, erosion, abrasion, loss of and damage to supporting structures, headaches, oral infection, tooth sensitivity muscle pain and spasm, disturbance of aesthetics, and interference and oral discomfort.
Treatment for bruxism may be simple or complex, depending on the nature of the disorder. Severe bruxism disorders are difficult to treat and their prognoses also may be questionable. Children with bruxism are generally managed with observation and reassurance. Most of the children's bruxism habit will disappear naturally as they grow up. Adults may be managed with stress reduction therapy, modification of sleep positioning, drug therapy, biofeedback training, physical therapy and dental evaluation. Correction of the malocclusion with orthodontic procedures, restorative procedures, or occlusal adjustment by selective grinding will not control the bruxism habit.
What about prevention? Researchers have found only a weak correlation between different types of morphologic malocclusion such as Class II and III molar relationship, deep bite, overjet, and dental wear or grinding. Moreover, there is no correlation between periodontal disease and bruxism in children. Because the malocclusions' status in children does not increase the probability of bruxism, early orthodontic treatment (braces) to prevent bruxism is not scientifically justified.
Bruxism is a destructive habit that may result in severe dental deterioration. Bruxism in childhood may be a persistent trait. The occlusal trauma and tooth wear in childhood bruxism can be succeeded by increased anterior tooth wear 20 years later. If your child has significant tooth attrition, dental mobility or tooth fracture may happen. Therefore, it is mandatory to take your child to your dentist for evaluation of bruxism.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/treatment-approaches-for-bruxism-in-children-21601.html
About the Author:
For more information, contact Dr. Nguyen at drnguyen@softdental.com or visit www.softdental.com
Sleep problems are frequent among healthy school going children seen at general pediatric practice. Sleep related problems were reported in 42.7% children that included nocturnal enuresis (18.4%), sleep talking (14.6%), bruxism (11.6%) nightmares (6.8%), night terrors (2.9%) snoring (5.8%) and sleepwalking (1.9%). Bruxism is a destructive habit. It is defined as the nonproductive diurnal or nocturnal clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Bruxism happens in about 15 percent of youngsters and in as many as 96 percent of grown-ups. The etiology of bruxism is unclear. It has been linked with stress, occlusal disorders, allergies and sleep positioning. In addition, type A personality behavior combined with stress is more predictive of bruxism. Because of its nonspecific pathology, bruxism may be difficult to diagnose.
Beside complaints from sleep partners, clenching-grinding, sleep bruxism, myofacial pain, craniomaxillofacial musculoskeletal pain, temporomandibular disorders, oro-facial pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue spectrum disorders are linked. The main clinical signs of bruxism comprise tooth wear, tooth mobility, hypertrophy masticatory muscles, and tender joints. Other symptoms of bruxism are multiple and diverse. They include temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction, head and neck pain, erosion, abrasion, loss of and damage to supporting structures, headaches, oral infection, tooth sensitivity muscle pain and spasm, disturbance of aesthetics, and interference and oral discomfort.
Treatment for bruxism may be simple or complex, depending on the nature of the disorder. Severe bruxism disorders are difficult to treat and their prognoses also may be questionable. Children with bruxism are generally managed with observation and reassurance. Most of the children's bruxism habit will disappear naturally as they grow up. Adults may be managed with stress reduction therapy, modification of sleep positioning, drug therapy, biofeedback training, physical therapy and dental evaluation. Correction of the malocclusion with orthodontic procedures, restorative procedures, or occlusal adjustment by selective grinding will not control the bruxism habit.
What about prevention? Researchers have found only a weak correlation between different types of morphologic malocclusion such as Class II and III molar relationship, deep bite, overjet, and dental wear or grinding. Moreover, there is no correlation between periodontal disease and bruxism in children. Because the malocclusions' status in children does not increase the probability of bruxism, early orthodontic treatment (braces) to prevent bruxism is not scientifically justified.
Bruxism is a destructive habit that may result in severe dental deterioration. Bruxism in childhood may be a persistent trait. The occlusal trauma and tooth wear in childhood bruxism can be succeeded by increased anterior tooth wear 20 years later. If your child has significant tooth attrition, dental mobility or tooth fracture may happen. Therefore, it is mandatory to take your child to your dentist for evaluation of bruxism.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/treatment-approaches-for-bruxism-in-children-21601.html
About the Author:
For more information, contact Dr. Nguyen at drnguyen@softdental.com or visit www.softdental.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Is Bruxism Bad For Small Children?
Is Bruxism Bad For Small Children?
Author: Bruce Lipski
Have you ever tiptoed into your child's room during the night expecting to hear the sweet sounds of slumber and instead been greeted by the sound of grinding teeth. Grinding teeth, or Bruxism as it is called, most frequently occurs during sleep at night. Millions of people from all over the world suffer from it and have been searching for ways to stop teeth grinding.
Teeth grinding in toddlers will often go away on its own as the child gets older and gets used to having teeth. While teeth grinding in adults is usually a sign of stress, in children it is probably more of a habit than anything else. Teeth grinding creates wear on the tooth enamel, which causes cracking and sometimes chipping in the teeth. Grinding your teeth while you are asleep is more of a problem than when you are awake since most people grind their teeth much harder while sleeping.
To completely stop grinding your teeth you need to do exercises and change parts of your diet. For example, you can purchase countless different mouth guards available in the market today, but they do NOT help stop tooth grinding permanently. The mouth guards just protect the teeth from further damage but do little to solve the problem. Someone who grinds their teeth every night may experience jaw disorders, damaged teeth, and headaches all because of their bruxism. Dentists will rarely tell you how to cure bruxism or stop teeth grinding because dentists and the mouth guard businesses would suffer.
Teeth can become sensitive, painful, and loose after they have been worn down or cracked by the grinding. The amount of bite pressure placed on grinding teeth causes the teeth and existing fillings to crack. Your jaw muscles are some of the strongest muscles in you body and over the years a lot of damage can be made to your teeth from grinding. Lots of kids who grind their teeth aren't even aware of it, so it's often siblings or parents who identify the problem. Dentists should also be aware of it as they are the ones who would see the grinding damage.
In most cases, bruxism is a minor condition that poses no real health threat to a child. In addition to grinding teeth, people with bruxism also may bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek. While the exact cause is not known, bruxism is clearly associated with stress and certain personality types. Like daytime teeth clenching, bruxism is often considered to be stress-related.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/is-bruxism-bad-for-small-children-427711.html
About the Author:
To learn more about Bruxism and possible cures that might work for you or your child please visit Grinding Teeth .
Author: Bruce Lipski
Have you ever tiptoed into your child's room during the night expecting to hear the sweet sounds of slumber and instead been greeted by the sound of grinding teeth. Grinding teeth, or Bruxism as it is called, most frequently occurs during sleep at night. Millions of people from all over the world suffer from it and have been searching for ways to stop teeth grinding.
Teeth grinding in toddlers will often go away on its own as the child gets older and gets used to having teeth. While teeth grinding in adults is usually a sign of stress, in children it is probably more of a habit than anything else. Teeth grinding creates wear on the tooth enamel, which causes cracking and sometimes chipping in the teeth. Grinding your teeth while you are asleep is more of a problem than when you are awake since most people grind their teeth much harder while sleeping.
To completely stop grinding your teeth you need to do exercises and change parts of your diet. For example, you can purchase countless different mouth guards available in the market today, but they do NOT help stop tooth grinding permanently. The mouth guards just protect the teeth from further damage but do little to solve the problem. Someone who grinds their teeth every night may experience jaw disorders, damaged teeth, and headaches all because of their bruxism. Dentists will rarely tell you how to cure bruxism or stop teeth grinding because dentists and the mouth guard businesses would suffer.
Teeth can become sensitive, painful, and loose after they have been worn down or cracked by the grinding. The amount of bite pressure placed on grinding teeth causes the teeth and existing fillings to crack. Your jaw muscles are some of the strongest muscles in you body and over the years a lot of damage can be made to your teeth from grinding. Lots of kids who grind their teeth aren't even aware of it, so it's often siblings or parents who identify the problem. Dentists should also be aware of it as they are the ones who would see the grinding damage.
In most cases, bruxism is a minor condition that poses no real health threat to a child. In addition to grinding teeth, people with bruxism also may bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek. While the exact cause is not known, bruxism is clearly associated with stress and certain personality types. Like daytime teeth clenching, bruxism is often considered to be stress-related.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/is-bruxism-bad-for-small-children-427711.html
About the Author:
To learn more about Bruxism and possible cures that might work for you or your child please visit Grinding Teeth .
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Teeth Grinding in Children (bruxism) : What Can You Do?
Author: Cristian Stan
Teeth grinding in children is otherwise known as bruxism and happens when children clench their upper and lower teeth, rubbing them together. Commonly children grind their teeth whilst sleeping and are not aware of what they are doing. What are the causes of bruxism in children?
It is not known for certain why some children start grinding their teeth and some children don’t. There are many theories to suggest that it could be down to the fact that the sets of top and bottom teeth do not fit together comfortably due to the fact that children’s teeth and jaws grow in phases leading to unpleasant sensations in the area. The natural response of the child is to grind their teeth to soothe themselves which often later develops into a habit. It has also been shown that both children and adults grind their teeth when they feel anxious in some way, or even as a response to facial pain such as an earache or teething. It has also been shown that hyperactive children have developed bruxism. More recent research has suggested that sleep disturbances may be a cause for bruxism in children as well as causing a number of other problems such as bed-wetting, drooling and sleep-talking. Interruptions in the rapid eye movement (REM) patterns due to dehydration during sleep can be the underlying cause of many of these problems, though your dentist will be able to advise you more on this matter. What are the effects?
Children do not usually experience ill effects from grinding their teeth. Even when their milk teeth show wear it usually does not cause any pain or damage, yet if this wear gets severe, or if your child has already lost their milk teeth, then it is advisable to seek treatment from your dentist as dental problems such as tooth infections can occur. In most cases of teeth grinding in children they will usually outgrow the problem. What can be done to help?
Whilst the problems will most likely go away you may want to try some methods to help the child stop grinding their teeth in the meantime. Your dentist would be the best source of advice, and will be able to make sure that there are no problems regarding the alignment of the child’s teeth. The most common remedy recommendation is usually a mouth guard. Wearing a mouth guard at night will prevent the child from grinding their teeth and night, and has a very high success rate in reducing the habit. However, your child may feel uncomfortable wearing a mouth guard and for this reason it is wise to look into other treatment options. In many cases hypnosis has been shown a successful way to get people of all ages out of the habit of grinding teeth. In children whose grinding appears to be down to stress or anxiety it is extremely important to discover the underlying cause for these feelings. Try ways to relax your child before they go to sleep, such as a warm bath and a massage of the jaw. These methods will help to ensure that your child has a deep, relaxing and uninterrupted sleep. The most important thing is that you needn’t be alarmed by a child’s grinding as it is extremely common. If your child already has their adult teeth then it is more of a worry, though there are many options available so seek advice from your dentist.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/teeth-grinding-in-children-bruxism-what-can-you-do-538781.html
About the Author:
Find out more about the teeth grinding condition, what you need to know before buying night guards and how to diagnose teeth grinding at TeethGrindingCure.Com
Teeth grinding in children is otherwise known as bruxism and happens when children clench their upper and lower teeth, rubbing them together. Commonly children grind their teeth whilst sleeping and are not aware of what they are doing. What are the causes of bruxism in children?
It is not known for certain why some children start grinding their teeth and some children don’t. There are many theories to suggest that it could be down to the fact that the sets of top and bottom teeth do not fit together comfortably due to the fact that children’s teeth and jaws grow in phases leading to unpleasant sensations in the area. The natural response of the child is to grind their teeth to soothe themselves which often later develops into a habit. It has also been shown that both children and adults grind their teeth when they feel anxious in some way, or even as a response to facial pain such as an earache or teething. It has also been shown that hyperactive children have developed bruxism. More recent research has suggested that sleep disturbances may be a cause for bruxism in children as well as causing a number of other problems such as bed-wetting, drooling and sleep-talking. Interruptions in the rapid eye movement (REM) patterns due to dehydration during sleep can be the underlying cause of many of these problems, though your dentist will be able to advise you more on this matter. What are the effects?
Children do not usually experience ill effects from grinding their teeth. Even when their milk teeth show wear it usually does not cause any pain or damage, yet if this wear gets severe, or if your child has already lost their milk teeth, then it is advisable to seek treatment from your dentist as dental problems such as tooth infections can occur. In most cases of teeth grinding in children they will usually outgrow the problem. What can be done to help?
Whilst the problems will most likely go away you may want to try some methods to help the child stop grinding their teeth in the meantime. Your dentist would be the best source of advice, and will be able to make sure that there are no problems regarding the alignment of the child’s teeth. The most common remedy recommendation is usually a mouth guard. Wearing a mouth guard at night will prevent the child from grinding their teeth and night, and has a very high success rate in reducing the habit. However, your child may feel uncomfortable wearing a mouth guard and for this reason it is wise to look into other treatment options. In many cases hypnosis has been shown a successful way to get people of all ages out of the habit of grinding teeth. In children whose grinding appears to be down to stress or anxiety it is extremely important to discover the underlying cause for these feelings. Try ways to relax your child before they go to sleep, such as a warm bath and a massage of the jaw. These methods will help to ensure that your child has a deep, relaxing and uninterrupted sleep. The most important thing is that you needn’t be alarmed by a child’s grinding as it is extremely common. If your child already has their adult teeth then it is more of a worry, though there are many options available so seek advice from your dentist.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/teeth-grinding-in-children-bruxism-what-can-you-do-538781.html
About the Author:
Find out more about the teeth grinding condition, what you need to know before buying night guards and how to diagnose teeth grinding at TeethGrindingCure.Com
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Sleep Bruxism Information, Symptoms and Causes
Author: Rachel Broune
Sleep bruxism is also known as nocturnal tooth grinding. Sleep Bruxism is a sterotyped movement disorder characterized by grinding or clenching of the teeth during sleep. This will cause the damage of the teeth. For many people, bruxism is an unconscious habit. The disorder has also been identified as nocturnal bruxism, nocturnal tooth-grinding and nocturnal tooth-clenching. The 8% of adults grind their teeth at night. Grinding can be noisy enough at night to bother sleeping partners. Like clenching, grinding can lead to jaw pain and other problems.
Eventually, bruxism can destroy the surrounding bone and gum tissue. In children sleep bruxism may be related to growth and development. It is a condition that affects both kids and adults. Sleep bruxism is a problem that affects 8% to 21% one of the U.S. population. The age for children is around 5 or 6. This usually occurs in the early part of sleep time. Sleep bruxism is believed to be related to changes that occur during sleep cycles in some individuals, and this is an active area of current research. The symptoms can cause temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ). Chewing is a complex neuromuscular activity that is controlled by reflex nerve pathways, with higher control by the brain.
Causes of Sleep Bruxism
The causes of sleep bruxism are physical and psychological also.
Dental problems
Suppressed anger
High levels of alcohol consumption
Stress
Masticatory muscle discomfort
Complications of Huntington’s disease
Symptoms of Sleep Bruxism
Worn tooth enamel, exposing the inside of your tooth
Earache
Jaw muscle discomfort
Headache
Sore gums
Disturbed sleep
Eating disorders
Chronic facial pain
Increased tooth sensitivity
Treatment for Sleep Bruxism
Most cases of bruxism are mild and may never require treatment. Occasional bruxism may not be harmful but when it occurs regularly, it may be associated with moderate to severe dental damage, facial pain, and disturbed sleep. Unfortunately, people with sleep bruxism usually aren't aware of the habit, so they aren't diagnosed with the condition until complications occur.
Custom-made by your dentist to fit your teeth, the appliance slips over the upper teeth and protects them from grinding against the lower teeth. While an appliance is a good way to manage bruxism, it is not a cure.
Massage the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and face. Search carefully for small, painful nodules called trigger points that can refer pain throughout the head and face.
Learn physical therapy stretching exercises to help the restore a normal balance to the action of the muscles and joint on each side of the head.
Behavior therapy. Once you discover that you have bruxism, you may be able to change the behavior by practicing proper mouth and jaw position. Concentrate on resting your tongue upward with your teeth apart and your lips closed. This should keep your teeth from grinding and your jaw from clenching.
For severe and persistent bruxism, a dentist may prescribe an oral appliance made of soft plastic to protect the teeth.
Prevention for Sleep Bruxism
Get plenty of sleep.
Try to relax in the hours before bedtime to reduce stress levels.
Jaw aligning exercises may be necessary for the prevention of the sleep bruxism.
Dental exams are the best way to screen against sleep bruxism.
Avoid eating hard foods like nuts, candies, steak.
Using caffeine, tobacco, cocaine or amphetamines seems to increase the risk of bruxism.
Stress reduction and anxiety management may reduce bruxism in persons prone to the condition.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/sleep-bruxism-information-symptoms-and-causes-376165.html
About the Author:
Rachel Broune writes articles for depression treatments . He also writes for alternative medicines and mental health .
Sleep bruxism is also known as nocturnal tooth grinding. Sleep Bruxism is a sterotyped movement disorder characterized by grinding or clenching of the teeth during sleep. This will cause the damage of the teeth. For many people, bruxism is an unconscious habit. The disorder has also been identified as nocturnal bruxism, nocturnal tooth-grinding and nocturnal tooth-clenching. The 8% of adults grind their teeth at night. Grinding can be noisy enough at night to bother sleeping partners. Like clenching, grinding can lead to jaw pain and other problems.
Eventually, bruxism can destroy the surrounding bone and gum tissue. In children sleep bruxism may be related to growth and development. It is a condition that affects both kids and adults. Sleep bruxism is a problem that affects 8% to 21% one of the U.S. population. The age for children is around 5 or 6. This usually occurs in the early part of sleep time. Sleep bruxism is believed to be related to changes that occur during sleep cycles in some individuals, and this is an active area of current research. The symptoms can cause temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ). Chewing is a complex neuromuscular activity that is controlled by reflex nerve pathways, with higher control by the brain.
Causes of Sleep Bruxism
The causes of sleep bruxism are physical and psychological also.
Dental problems
Suppressed anger
High levels of alcohol consumption
Stress
Masticatory muscle discomfort
Complications of Huntington’s disease
Symptoms of Sleep Bruxism
Worn tooth enamel, exposing the inside of your tooth
Earache
Jaw muscle discomfort
Headache
Sore gums
Disturbed sleep
Eating disorders
Chronic facial pain
Increased tooth sensitivity
Treatment for Sleep Bruxism
Most cases of bruxism are mild and may never require treatment. Occasional bruxism may not be harmful but when it occurs regularly, it may be associated with moderate to severe dental damage, facial pain, and disturbed sleep. Unfortunately, people with sleep bruxism usually aren't aware of the habit, so they aren't diagnosed with the condition until complications occur.
Custom-made by your dentist to fit your teeth, the appliance slips over the upper teeth and protects them from grinding against the lower teeth. While an appliance is a good way to manage bruxism, it is not a cure.
Massage the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and face. Search carefully for small, painful nodules called trigger points that can refer pain throughout the head and face.
Learn physical therapy stretching exercises to help the restore a normal balance to the action of the muscles and joint on each side of the head.
Behavior therapy. Once you discover that you have bruxism, you may be able to change the behavior by practicing proper mouth and jaw position. Concentrate on resting your tongue upward with your teeth apart and your lips closed. This should keep your teeth from grinding and your jaw from clenching.
For severe and persistent bruxism, a dentist may prescribe an oral appliance made of soft plastic to protect the teeth.
Prevention for Sleep Bruxism
Get plenty of sleep.
Try to relax in the hours before bedtime to reduce stress levels.
Jaw aligning exercises may be necessary for the prevention of the sleep bruxism.
Dental exams are the best way to screen against sleep bruxism.
Avoid eating hard foods like nuts, candies, steak.
Using caffeine, tobacco, cocaine or amphetamines seems to increase the risk of bruxism.
Stress reduction and anxiety management may reduce bruxism in persons prone to the condition.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/sleep-bruxism-information-symptoms-and-causes-376165.html
About the Author:
Rachel Broune writes articles for depression treatments . He also writes for alternative medicines and mental health .
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sleep Bruxism – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Sleep Bruxism – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
If you find yourself waking up with sore jaw muscles or a headache, you may be suffering from bruxism — the grinding and clenching of teeth. Bruxism can cause teeth to become painful or loose, and sometimes parts of the teeth are literally ground away. Eventually, bruxism can destroy the surrounding bone and gum tissue. It can also lead to problems involving the jaw joint, such as temporomandibular joint syndrome. Bruxism is when you clench or grind your teeth. Clenching means you tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together, especially the back teeth. Clenching puts pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw. This can lead to jaw pain and soreness, headaches, earaches, damaged teeth, and other problems. The symptoms can cause temporomandibular joint problems Bruxism involves any type of forceful contact between the teeth, whether silent and clenching, or loud and grating. Estimates vary regarding the number of people who suffer from this condition and range from 50-95% of the adult population. Approximately 15% of all children also acquire this condition. Many people are not aware that they have this condition because they grind their teeth at night while asleep, although bruxism can occur during daytime hours as well. Causes of bruxism are unknown, one study links it with such factors as anxiety, stress, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, caffeine, sleep apnea, snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. Importantly, psychiatric or psychological factors do not play a role in most cases. Use of certain medications, including amphetamines, are also associated with episodes of bruxism. Sleep apnea may also be related to sleep bruxism, and evidence suggests that treating sleep apnea can help alleviate sleep bruxism. Symptoms & Diagnosis Characteristics of sleep bruxism include clenching or grinding of canines or incisors laterally or grinding of the molars. The friction is also occasionally accompanied with a loud grinding sound. Tooth damage and loss, as well as occlusal disease, can occur over time if the condition is severe. In addition daytime headaches, jaw pain, and atypical facial pain can also be an effect. Dental problems Suppressed anger High levels of alcohol consumption Stress Masticatory muscle discomfort Complications of Huntington’s disease Symptoms of Sleep Bruxism Worn tooth enamel, exposing the inside of your tooth Earache Jaw muscle discomfort Headache Sore gums Disturbed sleep Eating disorders Chronic facial pain Increased tooth sensitivity Treatment for Sleep Bruxism Most cases of bruxism are mild and may never require treatment. Occasional bruxism may not be harmful but when it occurs regularly, it may be associated with moderate to severe dental damage, facial pain, and disturbed sleep. Finding ways to relax — Because everyday stress seems to be a major cause of bruxism, anything that reduces stress can help-listening to music, reading a book, taking a walk or a bath. It may help to seek counseling to learn effective ways for handling stressful situations. Also, applying a warm, wet washcloth to the side of your face can help relax muscles sore from clenching. Massage the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and face. Search carefully for small, painful nodules called trigger points that can refer pain throughout the head and face. Learn physical therapy stretching exercises to help the restore a normal balance to the action of the muscles and joint on each side of the head. Apply ice or wet heat to sore jaw muscles. Either can have a beneficial effect.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/sleep-bruxism-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-524743.html
Author: gladys906
If you find yourself waking up with sore jaw muscles or a headache, you may be suffering from bruxism — the grinding and clenching of teeth. Bruxism can cause teeth to become painful or loose, and sometimes parts of the teeth are literally ground away. Eventually, bruxism can destroy the surrounding bone and gum tissue. It can also lead to problems involving the jaw joint, such as temporomandibular joint syndrome. Bruxism is when you clench or grind your teeth. Clenching means you tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together, especially the back teeth. Clenching puts pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw. This can lead to jaw pain and soreness, headaches, earaches, damaged teeth, and other problems. The symptoms can cause temporomandibular joint problems Bruxism involves any type of forceful contact between the teeth, whether silent and clenching, or loud and grating. Estimates vary regarding the number of people who suffer from this condition and range from 50-95% of the adult population. Approximately 15% of all children also acquire this condition. Many people are not aware that they have this condition because they grind their teeth at night while asleep, although bruxism can occur during daytime hours as well. Causes of bruxism are unknown, one study links it with such factors as anxiety, stress, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, caffeine, sleep apnea, snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. Importantly, psychiatric or psychological factors do not play a role in most cases. Use of certain medications, including amphetamines, are also associated with episodes of bruxism. Sleep apnea may also be related to sleep bruxism, and evidence suggests that treating sleep apnea can help alleviate sleep bruxism. Symptoms & Diagnosis Characteristics of sleep bruxism include clenching or grinding of canines or incisors laterally or grinding of the molars. The friction is also occasionally accompanied with a loud grinding sound. Tooth damage and loss, as well as occlusal disease, can occur over time if the condition is severe. In addition daytime headaches, jaw pain, and atypical facial pain can also be an effect. Dental problems Suppressed anger High levels of alcohol consumption Stress Masticatory muscle discomfort Complications of Huntington’s disease Symptoms of Sleep Bruxism Worn tooth enamel, exposing the inside of your tooth Earache Jaw muscle discomfort Headache Sore gums Disturbed sleep Eating disorders Chronic facial pain Increased tooth sensitivity Treatment for Sleep Bruxism Most cases of bruxism are mild and may never require treatment. Occasional bruxism may not be harmful but when it occurs regularly, it may be associated with moderate to severe dental damage, facial pain, and disturbed sleep. Finding ways to relax — Because everyday stress seems to be a major cause of bruxism, anything that reduces stress can help-listening to music, reading a book, taking a walk or a bath. It may help to seek counseling to learn effective ways for handling stressful situations. Also, applying a warm, wet washcloth to the side of your face can help relax muscles sore from clenching. Massage the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and face. Search carefully for small, painful nodules called trigger points that can refer pain throughout the head and face. Learn physical therapy stretching exercises to help the restore a normal balance to the action of the muscles and joint on each side of the head. Apply ice or wet heat to sore jaw muscles. Either can have a beneficial effect.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/sleep-bruxism-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-524743.html
Author: gladys906
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Coping With Sleep Bruxism
About eight to 10 percent of the adult population have a secret malady called sleep bruxism, a sleep disorder characterized by the grinding or clenching of teeth. Some people do it unconsciously even when they are awake. Stress usually has something to do with it, but the origins of the disorder are quite varied. The effects of bruxism are seldom anywhere near as bad as during sleep when the body’s protective mechanisms are turned off. Without proper treatment, the condition may cause serious damage to the teeth and surrounding tissue, as well as trigger headaches and jaw pain.
Bruxism can be a real nuisance. “It’s much like having a large football player standing on the tooth,” said Dr. Noshir Mehta, Chairman of General Dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and Director of its Craniofacial Pain Center.
Under normal circumstances, a person's teeth make contact for about 20 minutes a day with only 20 to 40 pounds of pressure to be able to chew. During sleep bruxism, however, the upper and lower teeth come into direct contact in as much as 40 minutes per hour, and with a force of about 250 pounds on the first molar.
Sleep bruxism is not a disease, but it is the third most common sleep disorder after sleep talking and snoring. This condition is more prevalent in children, who often outgrow it, and causes behind adult cases are very different from those of the younger age bracket.
In the 1960s, Dr. Gilles Lavigne, a Professor of Dentistry and Medicine at the University of Montreal, and President of the Canadian Sleep Society explained that bruxism was thought to be the body's response to “malocclusion” --- a problem that arises when the upper and lower teeth don't fit together. Due to lack of clinical evidence, the theory was not accepted in the medical and dental community.
Later on, stress was cited to be the cause of the sleep disorder proponents of this theory failed to explain why not everyone with sleep bruxism was stressed and not everyone with stress ground their teeth. Some recent research studies also reveal the connection of sleep bruxism to neurochemicals like dopamine, but its significance is still being questioned. Dr. Lavigne’s latest studies have identified a pattern of activation in the autonomic nervous system that correlates strongly with sleep bruxism. He emphasized that sleep bruxism is not an indicator of neurological disease. No matter what science eventually discovers as the cause of sleep bruxism, current medical literature point out to stress, smoking, alcohol, caffeine as the main “triggers” of the disorder.
Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or even acupuncture may help promote overall heath and wellness. Doctors, however, say that these alternative healing methods will not cure or relieve sleep bruxism.
For treatment, anti-anxiety medications and other pharmacological treatments may be prescribed by doctors to help bring bruxism to a halt. Patients, however, must be aware of that these drugs are potentially habit-forming. “It works too well,” said Dr. Michael Gelb, a clinical professor at the New York University College of Dentistry. The drug “working well” also entails the potential of substance abuse if the patient is left to use the drug without doctor supervision.
In the meantime, dentists suggest that patients may use a mouth guard. The mouth guard is a small plastic device that covers some or all of the teeth to protect them against damage, but does not really stop the grinding or clenching itself. The temporary relief can be quite expensive, as the device is customized to fit the user. But a more affordable version can be bought at over-the-counter drugstores which are usually better than nothing.
Dr. Charles McNeill, director of the Center for Orofacial Pain at the University of California, San Francisco agrees that mouth guards may protect the teeth but should only be for temporary use as it may also be more likely to induce a chewing response and increase bruxism. They can also cause irreversible damage to the bite, or arrangement of the teeth. Customized mouth guards made by a dentist last longer, fit better and are generally designed to distribute the force of grinding to reduce jaw pain.
Bruxism can be a real nuisance. “It’s much like having a large football player standing on the tooth,” said Dr. Noshir Mehta, Chairman of General Dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and Director of its Craniofacial Pain Center.
Under normal circumstances, a person's teeth make contact for about 20 minutes a day with only 20 to 40 pounds of pressure to be able to chew. During sleep bruxism, however, the upper and lower teeth come into direct contact in as much as 40 minutes per hour, and with a force of about 250 pounds on the first molar.
Sleep bruxism is not a disease, but it is the third most common sleep disorder after sleep talking and snoring. This condition is more prevalent in children, who often outgrow it, and causes behind adult cases are very different from those of the younger age bracket.
In the 1960s, Dr. Gilles Lavigne, a Professor of Dentistry and Medicine at the University of Montreal, and President of the Canadian Sleep Society explained that bruxism was thought to be the body's response to “malocclusion” --- a problem that arises when the upper and lower teeth don't fit together. Due to lack of clinical evidence, the theory was not accepted in the medical and dental community.
Later on, stress was cited to be the cause of the sleep disorder proponents of this theory failed to explain why not everyone with sleep bruxism was stressed and not everyone with stress ground their teeth. Some recent research studies also reveal the connection of sleep bruxism to neurochemicals like dopamine, but its significance is still being questioned. Dr. Lavigne’s latest studies have identified a pattern of activation in the autonomic nervous system that correlates strongly with sleep bruxism. He emphasized that sleep bruxism is not an indicator of neurological disease. No matter what science eventually discovers as the cause of sleep bruxism, current medical literature point out to stress, smoking, alcohol, caffeine as the main “triggers” of the disorder.
Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or even acupuncture may help promote overall heath and wellness. Doctors, however, say that these alternative healing methods will not cure or relieve sleep bruxism.
For treatment, anti-anxiety medications and other pharmacological treatments may be prescribed by doctors to help bring bruxism to a halt. Patients, however, must be aware of that these drugs are potentially habit-forming. “It works too well,” said Dr. Michael Gelb, a clinical professor at the New York University College of Dentistry. The drug “working well” also entails the potential of substance abuse if the patient is left to use the drug without doctor supervision.
In the meantime, dentists suggest that patients may use a mouth guard. The mouth guard is a small plastic device that covers some or all of the teeth to protect them against damage, but does not really stop the grinding or clenching itself. The temporary relief can be quite expensive, as the device is customized to fit the user. But a more affordable version can be bought at over-the-counter drugstores which are usually better than nothing.
Dr. Charles McNeill, director of the Center for Orofacial Pain at the University of California, San Francisco agrees that mouth guards may protect the teeth but should only be for temporary use as it may also be more likely to induce a chewing response and increase bruxism. They can also cause irreversible damage to the bite, or arrangement of the teeth. Customized mouth guards made by a dentist last longer, fit better and are generally designed to distribute the force of grinding to reduce jaw pain.
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