Bruxism refers to a continual grinding and clenching of the teeth. People who have bruxism unintentionally clench and grind their teeth during both the day and night. The exact cause for bruxism remains unclear, but daily stress may trigger the condition in some people. The treatment goals for bruxism include reducing pain, preventing permanent damage to the teeth, and reducing clenching as much as possible.
Dental Appliances
According to the Ohio State University Medical Center, specially fitted dental appliances help prevent future damage to the teeth, and they also assist in resolving the symptoms of bruxism. Splints and mouth guards absorb the force of biting. They usually fit over the top or bottom teeth and help to reduce clenching by keeping the jaw in a more relaxed position, notes MedlinePlus. The dental appliances provide relief from abraded teeth, damage done to the tooth enamel, facial pain, and tense facial and jaw muscles.
Stress Management
People who experience nervous tension such as anger, pain or frustration often develop bruxism, reports The Ohio State University Medical Center. People who experience bruxism related to stress may find effective treatment for their condition through stress management, such as exercise and meditation. MayoClinic.com suggests professional counseling if relaxation techniques fail to provide relief from the condition.
Practicing Proper Mouth and Jaw Position
Practicing proper mouth and jaw position can help treat bruxism, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients focus on resting their tongue, teeth and lips properly. Their tongue should rest upward with their teeth apart and their lips closed. Sometimes, just changing the position of the mouth and jaw can relieve pain.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback helps treat bruxism when behavior modification fails, reports MayoClinic.com. Biofeedback uses a variety of monitoring procedures and equipment to control involuntary body responses. Biofeedback involves the placement of electrical sensors on parts of the body. In bruxism, the sensors measure the amount of muscle activity in the mouth and jaw. The sensors then feed the information back to the patient via sound and visual cues. The cues may take the form of a beeping sound or a flashing light. These cues help people recognize their teeth grinding and clenching, thereby helping them learn how to change their behavior.
