Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) and Teeth Clenching

It is stated in many current publications that a large part of the society tends to clench and grind their teeth without realizing it. Early diagnosis is of great importance in order to prevent the dangers that this situation, which patients do not complain about because they are not aware of it, may pose. Most of these disorders are noticed during a dentist's examination.

Voluntary and involuntary muscle contractions that occur without any cause that has the potential to cause tissue damage are called Parafunction. Teeth clenching and teeth grinding are considered Parafunctions. When Parafunctions are rarely seen, they are considered Physiological. It is considered pathological when it is repeated frequently and causes damage. When it is determined that parafunctions may cause damage to tissues, diagnosis before the problem occurs is important for preventive treatment.

• Teeth clenching Continuous contact between the teeth as a result of the contraction of the chewing muscles is called clenching. is defined. It is mostly seen during the day.

• Teeth grinding (Brusxism)is an involuntary condition that occurs as a result of the chewing reflex being activated at night and the contact and friction of the lower and upper teeth against each other. It is a movement. It usually continues rhythmically. In some cases, a serious sound occurs as these movements intensify. Usually, this sound is loud enough to wake up those sleeping next to people who are grinding their teeth.

• Physiological teeth grinding: It is seen in children in the mixed dentition period. It usually ends when all the permanent teeth erupt. Mild teeth grinding may not cause any health problems in many people.

• Pathological teeth grinding (bruxism): It causes damage to the hard and soft tissues inside the mouth (physical and visual problems).

• Wear on tooth enamel (The enamel surfaces of the teeth are difficult to wear, but the wear is softer on the underlying surfaces). When it reaches the lower layer, it continues to accelerate and the susceptibility to decay increases.)

• Shortening of tooth length (Vertical size reduction may occur and there is a possibility of teeth breaking)

• Sensitivity in teeth (cold, hot, sour, sweet, etc.)

• Cull defects

• Gingival recession

• Periodontal tissue damage (bone loss occurs due to excessive pressure, loosening of teeth may occur and tooth loss may occur)

• In chewing muscles problems (The intensity of contraction of the muscles is three times higher than in normal individuals and muscle hypertrophy may be observed)

• Disorders in the jaw joints (such as restriction in opening the mouth and joint pain, noise from the joint during jaw movements). )

 

If these are not treated:

• Migraine-like headaches, earaches 

• Neck and back pains 

• Posture disorders 

• Psychological problems etc. occur.

ETIOLOGY

Teeth clenching and teeth grinding can occur for many reasons. p>

• Faulty restorations in the mouth

• Closure disorders

• Can be seen after some diseases

• Some drug use predisposes to these disorders.

• Sleep disorders.

• Psychosocial factors (primarily stress, anxiety, tension, repressed anger, hyperactive personality type, etc.)

TREATMENT

TREATMENT IN THE EARLY PERIOD: It is an important factor to recognize and start treatment early.

    Usually, acrylic plates, called Night plates, which are specially made for the patient, are used in the treatment. These plaques are made in different thicknesses depending on the stages of the disease. They are mostly used while sleeping at night and can also be used during the day if desired.

These plaques ensure that the incoming forces are distributed equally between the teeth, prevent damage to the hard tissues of the teeth and relax the chewing muscles. In addition to its therapeutic properties, it also has habit-breaking properties.

TREATMENT IN THE LATE TERM:

• Removing material losses in the teeth by the dentist

• Correcting and normalizing malocclusions, replacing faulty restorations.

• In addition, it will be beneficial to reduce the stress factor

      Early diagnosis and treatment of disorders such as teeth clenching and grinding are important and dentist visits are not required due to individuals not being aware of this. It should be done regularly every 6 months.

 

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