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Approximately one in four adults unconsciously happens to grind their teeth at inappropriate times. This medical condition is referred to as Bruxism. When this condition occurs during sleep, it is known as nocturnal Bruxism. Nocturnal Bruxism is more dangerous than Bruxism at other times, as the patient grinds teeth with a much higher force, as much as six times higher. There are a number of causes of Bruxism. It may be related to sleep apnea or caused by stress.
Although Bruxism is not considered a serious medical condition, it may result in wearing down of the teeth and other dental complications and can be annoying for the person sleeping next to you. It can create a sore feeling in the jaws and cause headaches. Pain in the jaw and headaches upon waking up can lead to depression and eating disorders, as the patient is not able to chew food properly.
There are various approaches to the treatment of the condition. Some of the approaches are based on the treatment of the underlying causes, which may be psychological in nature. Hypnosis is one such method that has had a fairly high success rate.
However, it is very important to take steps to minimize damage to the teeth. The dentist may recommend that the patient wear a mouth guard when asleep, to minimize damage to the teeth. The pain caused by Bruxism can be reduced by facial exercises that involve the jaw.
There are other methods to reduce Bruxism. Using an ice pack to lessen the pain is very effective. Drinking lots of water is also recommended. Progressive relaxation techniques are also effective in the treatment of Bruxism.
Many people tend to take the problem for granted. That is not advisable. If you or any members of your family have the habit of grinding teeth involuntarily, then you should consult a dentist for a professional diagnosis and treatment.
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