home All hormones I clench my teeth during the day. Psychosomatic causes of pathological tooth wear. Bruxism

I clench my teeth during the day. Psychosomatic causes of pathological tooth wear. Bruxism

“My husband grinds his teeth when he sleeps,” my friend once complained. A misfortune recently happened in their family, after which the husband’s rattling intensified. Despite all the persuasion to go to the doctor, he declares that he is absolutely healthy. Anton looks really good, he is 26 years old, athletic, energetic.

Grinding your teeth in your sleep - a bad habit or evidence? Why bruxism is dangerous in adults, its causes, and how to help yourself. Let's figure it out.

Bruxism (other names - odonterism, Carolini phenomenon)

– involuntary strong clenching of teeth, clattering, clicking, tapping. It intensifies with stress, hard work, etc. It appears periodically during the day or at night.

Sound so unpleasant that it sometimes causes conflicts in the family and irritation of others.

Night attacks occur more often, because in wakefulness a person is able to control himself. The duration of attacks is from 10-15 seconds to minutes, the intervals are individual.

50% of children under 7 years old are susceptible to bruxism, which in most cases goes away with age and does not pose any particular danger. But you need to pay attention and find out the prerequisites in order to exclude serious health consequences.

Among adults, 15% are bruxers(people grinding their teeth), many don’t even realize it.

Bruxers chew the inner surfaces of their cheeks, bite their nails, pencils or other objects (my friends’ son prefers TV remotes).

Apparently, this is why the phenomenon is sometimes perceived as a bad habit that can be broken by willpower.

However, the fact that jaw clenching and teeth grinding occurs suggests that Problems cannot always be solved by willpower.

Odonterism is not a disease, but serves as a symptom of disorder in the body and is on a par with intractable, uncontrollable snoring, nightmares, and somnambulism.

Causes of Bruxism

The Carolini phenomenon is triggered by many factors, the most common being a psycho-emotional state.

Psychologists' opinion:

long-term defensive reactions(fear, anger, grief, melancholy, resentment) provoke mental illnesses: stress, neurosis, depression, etc.

Negative ones are a consequence of subconscious complexes: “I’m not worthy”, “I’m not beautiful”, “I’m a loser”, “I’m fat”, “I haven’t achieved anything”.

When we experience overexertion, the facial and temporomandibular muscles are compressed, and the teeth are clenched tightly. If during the day we can control ourselves, then in our sleep we grind our teeth, showing that we are uncomfortable in the world, that not everything is in order.

Under stress The grinding sound appears from time to time, signaling that negative reactions to the outside world are becoming dangerous to health.

For neurosis(as a consequence of prolonged stress) - the grinding becomes frequent and painful. It's time to take action immediately.

"Businessman's Disease"- this is the name for manifestations of odonterism in successful people with a stable psyche: psycho-emotional overload does not bypass anyone.

Somnologists are sure:

Bruxism is accompanied by sleep disorders such as changes in its depth, sleepwalking, nightmares, etc.
Sleep disorders and nervous disorders are interdependent. Nervous tension forces a person to go to bed with clenched jaws, which means that while he sleeps, the teeth have to “work” to destroy themselves.

Neurologists believe:

teeth grinding - can serve as a signal of a serious malfunction in the nervous system (for example, epilepsy, manifested in sleep in small form and predisposition to it). In addition, the jaw muscles can become tense due to damage to the trigeminal nerve (the so-called fifth nerve), its motor neurons.

Dental reasons:

1. Bite pathology.
2. Incorrectly selected dentures or braces.
3. Poor quality filling, etc.

Osteopathic prerequisites:

1. Brookser was born through a complicated birth.
2. Birth injuries.
3. Cervical osteochondrosis.

Folk theory:

1. Tumors, brain injuries.
2. Heredity (especially in boys).
3. Poor nutrition, lack of vitamins.
4. Addiction to alcohol, smoking, caffeine.
6. Use of antidepressants and sleeping pills.

Why is bruxism dangerous?

Night attacks are fraught with abrasion of the enamel, loosening, fractures and loss of teeth, headaches, problems with the jaw joints (they begin to click).

The quality of life decreases: the bruiser experiences psychological discomfort and alienation in society.

Summary

As we see, there are many causes of bruxism, which makes diagnosis difficult. A reasonable question arises: who to turn to for help. Experts advise going straight to a neurologist, because the most common culprit is a mental disorder.

If you know that you are susceptible to this disease, but going to the doctor is postponed, try to reduce dangerous consequences. The following measures will help you and will not give side effects:

1. Before going to bed, you need relaxation and a good mood.
2. Nutritious food, cm. .
3. Give your jaws a workout before going to bed so that they get tired: chew hard fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots), and do special exercises.
4. Soothing teas (check out the contraindications).
5. Rhythm of work and rest (everything should be harmonious).
6. Moderate physical activity (jogging, gym).
7. Walking (at least 1 hour a day) in the fresh air reduces the level of stress hormones and increases the production of happiness hormones.
8. Vacation lasting 21 days.
9. If vacation is not possible, try to find !

Kalinov Yuri Dmitrievich

Reading time: 5 minutes

A person may not realize what is interfering with his sound sleep until he learns from loved ones that teeth grinding can be heard at night. This is a fairly common problem, affecting 15-20% of the population, but most people are not even aware of it or do not pay attention to it until they are faced with the consequences. Why does a person clench his teeth tightly in his sleep and is it necessary to do something about it?

What is bruxism

Clenching your teeth while sleeping is called bruxism. The attack, during which the jaws clench tightly, friction occurs and grinding sounds, lasts from a few seconds to 10 minutes and is repeated periodically throughout the night. Usually the phenomenon is accompanied by changes in blood pressure, breathing problems, and increased heart rate.

Bruxism is observed in 50% of children; as they grow older, in most cases, teeth grinding at night stops. But it’s better to find out the reasons right away in order to avoid health problems in the future. In adults, the phenomenon is less common and is not considered independent disease, but this is a clear signal that not everything is in order with the body.

There are two types of bruxism:

Day. It does not occur as often, it is easier to recognize. Periodically during the day, during tense moments, a spasm of the jaw occurs, which takes on an unusual, abnormal position. In most cases, self-control will help you cope with daytime bruxism.
Night. It is much more dangerous, because during deep sleep a person does not control his actions.

At the time of an attack, pressure is applied to the jaw that is 10 times greater than the load during chewing.

Reason #1: Stress

Scientists from the University of Dusseldorf conducted a study involving 48 subjects and proved that the main cause of bruxism is stress. In sleep, the body rests, cleanses itself and gets rid of unnecessary information, and clenching the jaw, a person continues to experience the troubles of the day at night. Permanent nervous tension- the right path to the development of this disorder.

INTERESTING FACTS!

Representatives of the following professions are most susceptible to stress: surgeon, photojournalist, passenger plane pilot, realtor, manager.
Dark chocolate, laughter and... good deeds help reduce stress hormones. The famous scientist Allan Lukes claims that after sincere, selfless help to strangers, a person experiences happiness and satisfaction. The body produces endorphins, it relaxes and gets rid of stress. This is also confirmed by a 30-year study that showed that women who cared about other people, and not just their family, were 2 times less likely to get sick and enjoyed life more.

Bad habits

The occurrence of bruxism can be triggered by lifestyle. The following have a negative impact:

nicotine addiction;
drinking alcohol in large quantities;
exceeding the daily caffeine intake;
taking antidepressants.

Congenital anomalies

The reason may also be hidden in defects of the facial skeleton, for example, in the incorrect structure of the joints that connect temporal bone and lower jaw.

Neurology

Disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system provoke various sleep-related disorders, which are often accompanied by grinding teeth - apnea, somnambulism, nightmares, enuresis. Trismus and bruxism are also signs of damage to the trigeminal nerve, which causes tone of the masticatory muscles.

Dental reasons

Various problems in oral cavity can also lead to the development of bruxism:

malocclusion;
loss of some teeth;
braces;
dentures, veneers;
poorly placed fillings.

Theory about helminths

Symptoms

Teeth grinding at night is the first and surest sign of bruxism. But it is almost impossible to find out about it without outside help. To independently identify the disease, you should pay attention to the condition of the enamel, to the presence of an increased reaction to sweets, hot or cold. New holes, chips, or dentures may have become damaged for no apparent reason. All this is indirect evidence of the development of a movement disorder.

There are a number of additional signs that may indicate the manifestation of night bruxism:

throbbing pain in temples in the morning;
dizziness and ringing in the ears;
soreness of the jaw muscles;
constant feeling of fatigue, drowsiness;
discomfort in the sinuses;
restless sleep and frequent awakenings.

Contents [Show]

What is bruxism

Bruxism is observed in 50% of children; as they grow older, in most cases, teeth grinding at night stops. But it’s better to find out the reasons right away in order to avoid health problems in the future. In adults, the phenomenon is less common and is not considered an independent disease, but this is a clear signal that not everything is in order with the body.

There are two types of bruxism:

Day. It does not occur as often, it is easier to recognize. Periodically during the day, during tense moments, a spasm of the jaw occurs, which takes on an unusual, abnormal position. In most cases, self-control will help you cope with daytime bruxism.
Night. It is much more dangerous, because during deep sleep a person does not control his actions.

At the time of an attack, pressure is applied to the jaw that is 10 times greater than the load during chewing.

Reason #1: Stress

Scientists from the University of Dusseldorf conducted a study involving 48 subjects and proved that the main cause of bruxism is stress. In sleep, the body rests, cleanses itself and gets rid of unnecessary information, and clenching the jaw, a person continues to experience the troubles of the day at night. Constant nervous tension is a sure way to the development of this disorder.

INTERESTING FACTS!

Representatives of the following professions are most susceptible to stress: surgeon, photojournalist, passenger plane pilot, realtor, manager.
Dark chocolate, laughter and... good deeds help reduce stress hormones. The famous scientist Allan Lukes claims that after sincere, selfless help to strangers, a person experiences happiness and satisfaction. The body produces endorphins, it relaxes and gets rid of stress. This is also confirmed by a 30-year study that showed that women who cared about other people, and not just their family, were 2 times less likely to get sick and enjoyed life more.

Bad habits

The occurrence of bruxism can be triggered by lifestyle. The following have a negative impact:

nicotine addiction;
drinking alcohol in large quantities;
exceeding the daily caffeine intake;
taking antidepressants.

Congenital anomalies

The reason may also be hidden in defects of the facial skeleton, for example, in the incorrect structure of the joints that connect the temporal bone and the lower jaw.

Neurology

Dental reasons

Various problems in the oral cavity can also lead to the development of bruxism:

malocclusion;
loss of some teeth;
braces;
dentures, veneers;
poorly placed fillings.

Theory about helminths

Symptoms

There are a number of additional signs that may indicate the manifestation of night bruxism:

throbbing pain in temples in the morning;
dizziness and ringing in the ears;
soreness of the jaw muscles;
constant feeling of fatigue, drowsiness;
discomfort in the sinuses;
restless sleep and frequent awakenings.

Treatment of bruxism

First, you need to identify the nature of bruxism, determine whether the problem relates to the dental field or has psychological causes. Based on the results, it is necessary to contact the right specialist as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences. Your doctor will tell you what to do first and how to get rid of the problem. The most common measures used in treatment:

A complete dental examination and elimination of all problems in the oral cavity, including correction of malocclusion.
The use of special mouthguards made individually according to the size of the patient’s jaw. With their help, teeth are protected from injury, but they cannot completely get rid of the problem.
Injections of a minimal amount of Botox. It prevents the jaws from clenching tightly, partially paralyzing the muscles of the mouth.
Apply soothing warm compresses before bed.
Taking medications and vitamin-mineral complexes, including magnesium, calcium, B vitamins.
Minimizing stressful situations, allocating time during the day for rest and walks.
Limit heavy food intake in the evening. This will promote muscle relaxation and healthy sleep.

If a serious pathology of the jaw is detected, surgical intervention, such as plastic surgery of the articular disc, or the use of laser therapy is possible.

Special exercises and massage

Exercises and self-massage will help in the treatment of bruxism:

Squeezing your jaw with your palms below on both sides, you need to press lightly with your fingers, massaging it in a circular motion. It is advisable to repeat such manipulations, which help relieve tension from the problem area, every day for at least 2-3 minutes.
Chin muscle training. With your mouth slightly open, you need to push your jaw back with your fingers. The procedure is repeated several times during the day, at least 10 times in 1 approach.
Chewing gum exercise. You need to roll the chewing gum balls from one corner of your mouth to the other. It is better to do this before going to bed, until you feel tired in your muscles, then the likelihood that your jaw will be clenched tightly in your sleep will sharply decrease.

Possible complications

If measures are not taken in time, bruxism can cause a number of serious consequences:

Wearing, loosening and loss of teeth.
Development of caries.
Inflammation of periodontal tissues.
Malocclusion.
Pathologies of the temporal mandibular joints.
Chronic headaches.
Depression and nervousness.
Spasms and pain in the facial muscles.

The psychological consequences of bruxism are disastrous. Grinding of teeth gives rise to many complexes. The person becomes withdrawn, irritable, avoids new acquaintances, ashamed of his problem.

At the slightest suspicion of bruxism, you should immediately consult a doctor. The sooner you can identify the problem and begin treatment, the sooner you can return to a full life.

Every adult has encountered such a phenomenon as unconscious teeth grinding at least once in their life. Isolated cases of bruxism do not threaten health, but if such attacks become permanent, then it is necessary to find out the cause of their occurrence and think about treatment, otherwise serious complications cannot be avoided.

What is bruxism in adults?

Bruxism (Carolini phenomenon, odonterism) is a condition characterized by paroxysmal contraction of the masticatory muscles. At the same time, the person’s jaw clenches and short-term grinding of teeth occurs. The disease occurs in 8–15% of the adult population.

Most often, the cause of pathology is stress or emotional tension. Seizures may occur when dental diseases, malocclusion, unsuitable dentures.

In severe cases of the disease, pathological abrasion of teeth occurs, periodontal tissues become inflamed, and arthrosis of the jaw joints develops. In addition, the person suffers from severe pain in the lower jaw, noise and ringing in the ears, sleep disorders.

Types of odonterism

The disease occurs during the day and at night. Attacks of daytime bruxism occur while a person is awake, mainly under strong emotional stress. Treatment of this form of pathology largely depends on the patient himself and his ability to self-control.

In the second case, signs of the disease appear at night, when the person is sleeping and cannot control himself. Such attacks can be repeated. In this case, a person’s breathing becomes impaired, blood pressure and pulse rate change.

In addition, bruxism occurs:

noisy (with grinding). The grinding of teeth that occurs in humans is accompanied by a characteristic sound. The disease can cause premature tooth wear;
quiet (with squeezing). With this form, the teeth clench silently. The consequences of quiet (oriented) bruxism are minor defects of tooth enamel;
mixed. It is a combination of both forms, alternating with each other.

Causes and development factors

To date, the causes of this disorder have not been fully elucidated, but there are several theories that explain its occurrence.

The insidiousness of the disease is that when it occurs at night, a person may not even be aware of the existence of a problem. Grinding of teeth lasts only a few seconds, the patient does not even have time to wake up. The attacks can be repeated many times.

The presence of pathology can be suspected only by indirect signs, such as:

morning headache;
soreness in the jaw area;
noise, ringing in the ears;
discomfort in the neck, shoulders, back;
dizziness;
sleep problems;
daytime sleepiness;
painful sensations when chewing;
depression;
tooth wear, periodontal inflammation and changes in bite;
clicking in the maxillofacial joints.

Diagnostic methods

Most often, bruxism is diagnosed based on subjective complaints of the patient or his relatives. During a dental examination, the doctor may suspect the presence of a pathology if indirect signs are detected: abrasion, sensitivity of teeth, enamel defects, destruction of dentures. If a person complains of clicking or discomfort in the jaw joint when chewing or yawning, x-rays are recommended.

For objective diagnosis, brooks checkers are used - mouthguards made from an impression of the patient’s jaws. The device is worn overnight and then sent to the clinic for analysis, based on which the doctor can confirm the fact of bruxism. This method will also help to find out which teeth are subject to the greatest stress. Additionally, the patient may need consultation from other specialists: psychologist, neurologist, osteopath, otolaryngologist and gastroenterologist.

To clarify the diagnosis, electromyography is used, which is necessary to analyze the work of the masticatory muscles, their maximum effort, and the symmetry of chewing. To fully assess the activity of the brain, the stages of a person’s sleep, and to record spasms of the masticatory muscles, polysomnography is performed. The patient falls into sleep, during which special sensors record the performance of his brain, breathing rhythm, heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle movements. This study allows for differential diagnosis with epilepsy.

How to get rid of the disease

At first glance, teeth grinding is not very serious illness. But if treatment is left untreated, various dental problems may arise:

cracks appear in the enamel;
caries develops;
teeth wear out, become loose and fall out;
gums are injured;
sores appear in the mouth;
the bite is disturbed;
diseases of the temporomandibular joints develop.

In addition, bruxism causes constant psychological discomfort. The person feels inferior, becomes withdrawn and irritable. It complicates the quality of life, there is rapid fatigue, constant headaches, and depression.

Causes and treatment of bruxism - video

Treating bruxism is not an easy task, since determining the cause of the disease is quite difficult. Most often, dentists deal with this problem. But best results can be achieved with complex treatment. Therapy should include the following areas:

Dental treatment. The patient should be examined by a periodontist, orthodontist, or dental orthopedist. If necessary, the patient's bite will be corrected, fillings and crowns will be replaced.
Psychotherapeutic treatment. A specialist will help you identify the conflict, understand it, teach you how to effectively cope with everyday difficulties and emotional upheavals, and relax.
Drug therapy. In some cases, to reduce the activity of the masticatory muscles, you will need to take medications that have sedative and hypnotic properties, calcium, magnesium, B vitamins.
Physiotherapy. A relaxing massage and wet compresses on the jaw area will help improve the patient’s condition.
Botox injections. This method is used in the most complex and advanced situations. Botox is injected into the muscles of the jaws, after which they cannot contract spontaneously.

Treatment of daytime bruxism

Successful treatment of this form of the disease largely depends on the patient himself. You need to learn self-control and try to get rid of the habit of grinding your teeth in stressful situations. Various methods can help reduce the impact of stress:

relaxation. Yoga and Pilates classes will be beneficial. Special relaxation exercises will help reduce stress and anxiety. You can attend psychotherapy sessions;
kinesiology. Stimulation of energy points will help eliminate the effects of stress and tension;
osteopathy. A series of exercises and manipulations by an osteopathic doctor affects the facial and neck muscles in order to reduce tension in these areas. As a result, stress levels decrease.

In cases where the cause of bruxism is another pathology, treatment should be aimed at eliminating the underlying disease or alleviating its course.

Treatment of night bruxism

Nocturnal manifestations of pathology are not controlled by humans, so in this case it is recommended to use special night guards. They are made of plastic or rubber. The device is put on the teeth before going to bed, prevents them from closing and prevents wear during attacks.

The mouthguard is made individually for each patient. By itself, such a device will not relieve bruxism; it is only used to protect teeth from abrasion.

During treatment you should adhere to the following recommendations:

Control the position of your teeth. When the mouth is closed, the upper and lower teeth do not touch. Avoid clenching your jaw too much.
Avoid stressful situations. Since teething is a reaction to stress, you need to find a way to reduce its impact. This could be a relaxing massage or bath, walks, yoga classes, or light physical activity.
To reduce the frequency of night attacks, it is useful to chew nuts, carrots, and seeds before going to bed. After such a load on the jaws, the likelihood of teeth grinding will decrease. You can use chewing gum during the day.

ethnoscience

Valerian. An excellent remedy that promotes muscle relaxation and deep sleep. You can use valerian oil, which must be mixed with olive oil, and rub the resulting product onto your neck and jaw area. It is useful to drink tea with valerian internally.
Chamomile infusion or tea. A good sedative not only for the muscles, but for the whole body. The drink can be purchased at finished form at the pharmacy, or you can prepare it yourself:
- 2 tsp. pour boiling water over dried chamomile flowers;
- leave for five minutes;
- add honey or lemon if desired. The product should be drunk two to three hours before bedtime.
Milk and turmeric. Milk is recommended to be consumed warm before bed to relax and fall into deep sleep. Milk in combination with turmeric saturates the body with calcium, which is necessary for teeth for their normal development. In addition, this remedy reduces pain during unconscious grinding. To prepare the product:
- Bring a cup of milk to a boil;
- add 1 tsp. turmeric;
- mix and add 1 tbsp. l. honey. Drink the drink half an hour before bedtime.

Folk remedies in the photo

Treatment prognosis and possible complications

If you notice signs of the disease, it is better to consult a specialist. After spending comprehensive diagnostics, the doctor will prescribe necessary treatment, which will get rid of this problem and its consequences.

You should not try to cure bruxism on your own; such actions are often ineffective and can lead to unpleasant consequences, such as:

abrasion of enamel and tooth decay;
headache;
problems with jaw joints (pain and crunching);
insomnia;
depression.

Prevention measures

Some healthy habits will help prevent the disease or reduce its manifestations:

avoid stressful situations or try to reduce their number;
Before going to bed, do something relaxing: read a book, listen to music, take a warm bath. Active actions It’s better to leave it until the morning;
do not overload your jaws when it is not required;
Avoid or limit your intake of foods that contain a lot of caffeine and carbohydrates;
walk outdoors more often. Such leisure increases the production of happiness hormones;
in order to relax the jaw, apply warm compresses;
Eat solid food before bed. This will tire your jaw muscles and calm them while you sleep.

If left untreated, such a seemingly harmless habit as teeth grinding can become a source of dental, psychological and other problems. Therefore for medical care definitely need to apply. And if treatment does not produce results, do not hesitate to consult with other specialists; perhaps the cause of the disease has not been identified correctly.

Often people cannot relax their jaws while sleeping. During the day, they manage to control not clenching their teeth, but at night their teeth cling tightly, which is reflected on the face the next morning, and they need to start all over again. I will not go into the deep psychological component of this aspect, why this happens, and although it is very important, this is a conversation for another topic.

1. Use special dental trainers designed to prevent teeth clenching and prevent bruxism.

2. Not clenching your teeth during the day is not enough. It is necessary to ensure that the upper jaw floats and is in a gently raised position, lagging behind the lower jaw. The control here may be the position of the palate (upper palate). The palate should be round, soft, small dome. There should be space between the palate and the tongue lying freely (or freely speaking) in the mouth. You can imagine that a small air cushion is attached to the upper palate from the inside of the mouth, which is a kind of layer between the palate and the tongue, and prevents the upper palate from collapsing and coming into contact with the tongue - neither when we are in a calm state, nor when we speak.

3. Smile, lady, smile! Fall asleep with a smile on your face. The facial muscles spread wider and relax. Even if you fall asleep in the gloomiest mood, parting your lips into a smile, albeit artificial, will bear fruit after a while, neutralizing emotional background and relaxing the muscles that cause the jaw to clench. And even if at first this smile is forced, only with muscles, your “keep a smile” is still not visible in the dark, but in the morning your face will delight you.

Try to smile "A smile with ribbons", pulling the corners of your lips to your earlobes with imaginary ribbons.

If you wake up the next morning with your eyebrows knitted into a frown and your cheeks drawn towards the center, add to your smile eyebrow smile(see Eyebrow Ribbons) and smile in the infraorbital area(Ribbon for under eye).

©Laine Butter, specially for the site Ageless.su

agelessportal.ru

What is bruxism

Translated from ancient Greek, the word “bruxism” means “grinding of teeth.” This disease can manifest itself both during sleep and while awake. The nocturnal form of the disease is more common, when the patient complains of grinding in his sleep. At the same time quite long time The patient himself may not even realize that he grinds his teeth during sleep; usually other family members tell him about it. The daytime form of bruxism is somewhat less common, and the patient himself notes the presence of a problem and tries to fight it through self-control.

Grinding your teeth while sleeping or awake negatively affects not only the condition of the enamel, but also the condition of the jaw joints. Over time, they can become inflamed and painful.

Manifestations of bruxism are periodic, that is, the patient does not constantly grind his teeth. During night sleep, repeated attacks of contraction of the masticatory muscles are observed, which leads to the closure of the jaws and a characteristic grinding sound.

According to statistics, from 5 to 15 percent of the population complain of grinding their teeth in their sleep. However, doctors have not fully established the causes of this disease. It is believed that one of the main reasons is nervous overstrain and exposure to frequent stress. We will look at the causes of bruxism in more detail in the next section.

Causes

To date, doctors have not come to a consensus on what causes bruxism. Since teeth grinding at night occurs due to hypertonicity of the masticatory muscles, it is believed that the cause of the disease is jar of Hearts, overvoltage, the presence of a constant irritating factor. That is, in a dream, the patient cannot control the state of the facial muscles, therefore, they involuntarily contract, causing the notorious night grinding of teeth. This is why the nocturnal form of bruxism occurs much more often than the daytime form - during wakefulness, a person controls the condition of the facial muscles much more successfully and, through an effort of will, prevents the jaws from closing and grinding.

The main secondary causes of bruxism:

malocclusion;
the patient lacks certain groups of teeth;
poor quality filling;
Difficulty getting used to the braces or prosthesis.

Dentists note that bruxism and dentures are often interrelated. In any case, at the first signs of bruxism, you should contact your dentist to determine the cause of the disease and possible treatment methods.

Grinding of teeth during sleep is insidious in that the patient may not even be aware of the presence of a problem for a long time. After all, the presence of a disease is indicated only by indirect signs bruxism, and the creaking itself can only be heard by an outsider, and even then not always. Therefore, you should pay attention to the presence of the following symptoms and sensations:

the presence of morning headaches, as well as pain in the temporomandibular joints, neck, back, shoulders;
the presence of frequent and prolonged pain in the ears, paranasal sinuses nose;
ringing in the ears or dizziness;
the presence of prolonged stress or nervous strain;
depression;
sleep disorders;
manifestation of daytime sleepiness.

All these symptoms do not clearly indicate the presence of pathology, but they should alert both the patient and the doctor. If, in addition, the patient experiences increased tooth wear, looseness, or changes in the bite, then it is time to suspect the presence of bruxism.

Signs of teeth grinding during sleep

Teeth grinding during sleep may last only a few seconds, but such attacks are repeated many times. The grinding sounds suddenly and just as suddenly stops, while the patient does not wake up for an hour and does not even realize that he is grinding his teeth.

The dentist makes a diagnosis based on the analysis clinical picture and a detailed history. Teeth grinding is not the only sign of the disease; its presence is also indicated by muscle and joint pain in the area of the jaw joints, which worsens after sleep. At the same time, the doctor can note the abrasion of dentin and the presence of an inflammatory process in periodontal tissues. This is due to the fact that during the closure of the jaws, the teeth and periodontal tissues of the lower jaw are injured.

To confirm the diagnosis, the dentist can also use polysomnographic research. This study will help establish the presence of the disease, as well as exclude epilepsy, since bruxism can be a sign of it, and epileptic bruxism requires a completely different treatment method.

Forms of bruxism

As mentioned above, there are two forms of bruxism - nighttime and daytime. They are of the same nature, the only difference is that nocturnal bruxism cannot be controlled by a person, while daytime bruxism is well controlled. Let's take a closer look at both forms of the disease.

Day form

Teeth grinding during the day is less common than the nocturnal form of the disease. The fact is that during the day a person can constantly control himself, including the position of his jaw. That is, if the jaws begin to close, a person can, through an effort of will, suppress this reflex, controlling his condition. Associated conditions include finger sucking or biting, lip biting, and jaw misalignment.

The psychosomatics of bruxism lies in the fact that during nervous tension, the jaw and facial muscles involuntarily contract and the teeth clench. To get rid of daytime bruxism, the patient must control the position of the jaw, preventing jaw clenching during stress or nervous tension. It is also recommended to visit a psychologist to learn how to manage your mental state.

Night form

Teeth grinding during sleep is more dangerous, since the patient has no control over his condition. The load on the teeth leads to abrasion of the enamel and injuries to the periodontal tissues. The jaw joints suffer from excessive tension. Therefore, nocturnal bruxism should not be ignored, and if it occurs, you should consult a dentist. A reliable way to protect against injury and increased abrasion is a night guard. It does not allow the teeth to close during sleep and, therefore, prevents them from injury.

Another way to treat nighttime bruxism is Botox injections, which are injected into the jaw muscles, preventing them from involuntary contraction during sleep. Only an experienced dentist can choose the method of treating the disease.

Bruxism in adults

Teeth grinding in adults occurs in both men and women. The main cause of the disease is stress and increased nervous tension. With chronic bruxism, the patient's teeth are gradually completely worn out and destroyed, so the appearance of symptoms of the disease should not be taken lightly.

In parallel with the treatment prescribed by the doctor, the patient can independently try to minimize the harmful effects of nervous tension. To do this you need:

analyze stress factors in detail and reduce them to a minimum;
do auto-training before bed;
relax the chewing muscles by force of will as soon as they begin to tense.

It should be noted that in adults, bruxism does not go away on its own; its treatment must be done under the supervision of an experienced doctor. The patient may begin to grind his teeth in his sleep after severe emotional trauma - loss loved one, change of job or place of residence. Therefore, psychological support in this case is very important.

Bruxism in children

Bruxism occurs in approximately half of children and, unlike adult form does not require illness special treatment. In most cases, it goes away on its own over time without causing any complications. Childhood bruxism is noticeable from the outside, and parents often notice that their child is chattering his teeth, and over time begins to grind them. Usually, over time, children get rid of this habit on their own.

When children grind their teeth for long months or years, the condition can cause significant wear of the enamel and damage to the jaw joint. In this case, you must contact pediatric dentist. The treatment of childhood bruxism is identical to the treatment of the adult form of the disease - a special mouthguard is installed at night, which does not allow the teeth to touch. During the day, it is necessary to teach the child to control the condition of the facial muscles, not allowing the teeth to touch and chatter.

Consequences

The consequences of bruxism, if left untreated, can be very negative:

Jaw pain may occur, which becomes chronic over time;
Grinding of teeth leads to increased wear of teeth, their displacement and loosening;
Bruxism does not allow a person to rest properly and can lead to constant migraines, pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. The displacement causes a change in the bite, which, in turn, causes unnecessary stress on the jaw joint. In the future, it may become inflamed and begin to hurt, which negatively affects the patient’s quality of life.

Reasons for development

Bruxism is a condition that causes the jaw to involuntarily clench. This occurs subsequent to contraction of the masticatory muscles. This process accompanied by grinding of teeth. Which lasts from ten seconds to several minutes. Such attacks are fraught with disturbances in pulse, breathing and blood pressure. The specificity of the disease is that it can manifest itself regardless of a person’s age. Childhood bruxism occurs in 50% of children, and in adults, there are much fewer patients with this disease - approximately 20%. But no one knows the real figure, because many people do not even know that they tend to grind their teeth in their sleep.

It is still impossible to say with certainty about the main causes of bruxism. There is an opinion that the causes of the disease are related to sleep disturbances. Symptoms of bruxism can often be found in people with pathologies of the facial structure. Doctors say that bruxism is a disease of aggressive people who in reality are forced to suppress feelings of anger, stress and emotional stress.

If the disease begins to develop completely suddenly, you should immediately undergo an examination in order to find out the exact causes of bruxism. The advanced stage of the disease can provoke epilepsy and other serious diseases. In addition, teeth grinding creates communication problems. Such people irritate others, but they really need understanding and medical assistance.

To ensure that the disease does not take you or your loved ones by surprise, it will be useful to know its symptoms:

pathology of the lower jaw joint;
grinding of teeth;
bite problems;
tendency to pathology of tooth abrasion;
dental hypersensitivity;
unstable teeth, prone to fractures;
headaches and migraines;
spasmodic attacks on the facial muscles.

It is worth saying that there are two subtypes of bruxism, daytime and nighttime. The first type is manifested in the habit of strong clenching of teeth during tension or involuntary grinding of teeth in daytime. Nocturnal bruxism involves excessive clenching and grinding of teeth at night, especially during sleep. It happens that the attack repeats several times during the night. By the way, night bruxism occurs much more often than daytime bruxism.

Bruxism in children usually does not cause serious problems and most children forget about this habit. But parents should pay serious attention to this if teeth grinding during sleep lasts more than 15 seconds. Over time, such actions lead to damage to teeth and soft tissues. A severe attack of bruxism causes the child to get up in the middle of the night with a severe headache. Often a headache is accompanied by a toothache that spreads to the entire face. Bruxism in children causes wear of the teeth, as well as the joint of the lower jaw. Therefore, if such a condition is detected in a child, you should immediately consult a doctor, who will determine the severity of the disease and be able to prescribe adequate treatment.

Methods for treating bruxism

Treatment of bruxism involves complex therapy, the purpose of which is to determine the causes, nature and duration of the disease. Only a dentist can prescribe treatment; self-medication is absolutely inappropriate here. But during the main treatment, you should follow some rules that will contribute to a faster recovery:

Possible complications

To many people, this disease may seem completely frivolous. It would seem that teeth grinding does not harm a person at all, especially since this defect is almost inaudible. In fact, this condition seriously harms not only the patient, but also those around him.

The first negative change is the abrasion of the surface of the teeth, both in the lower and upper jaws. In this regard, the resources of tooth enamel lose their hardness. The enamel layer becomes much thinner, and in particularly advanced cases it even wears off right down to the dentin. As a result, teeth are exposed to caries much more often, plus extensive inflammatory processes appear in the oral cavity. The teeth begin to loosen and interfere with each other. These changes can lead to bite problems.

To understand the dangers of bruxism, you need to be aware of the existence of hidden symptoms of the disease. Among them, doctors mention symptoms that at first glance have nothing to do with bruxism: fatigue, drowsiness and irritability. A person may think that these are just manifestations of stress, but when these sensations are also accompanied by a headache, pain in the ears or sinuses, then you need to be wary and prepare yourself for a visit to the doctor. These manifestations are directly related to malocclusion, the onset of deformation of the jaw bones, as well as disturbances in sleep rhythm and insufficient rest.

Electromyography can help make an accurate diagnosis. In this case, special sensors record electrical impulses in the muscles during chewing and at rest. This procedure will allow the doctor to determine not only the nature of pathological changes, but will take a step towards developing an effective treatment strategy.

The information presented above indicates that early diagnosis Bruxism increases the chances of a quick recovery. Moreover, eliminating the problem gives a real chance of maintaining dental health.

Possible reasons

To date, experts have not yet come to a consensus. The exact factors that provoke involuntary contractions of the masticatory muscles in a particular person have not been established. And, although doctors still have a long way to go to understand the question “Bruxism – what is it?”, the reasons clearly lie in neurology. Nowadays, nervous overstrain or a strong emotional outburst is taken as the starting point for this phenomenon. In addition, it is believed that if there is a certain irritant, regularly affecting the patient’s psyche, this can also provoke bruxism.

The frequency of involuntary muscle contractions occurs more often at night than during daytime wakefulness. Experts attribute this to the fact that a person in consciousness controls his body, while in sleep the signaling systems relax and the muscles “live their own lives.”

Other factors that are considered to be the causes of bruxism include:

malocclusion;
incomplete dentition;
rejection of removable or permanent dentures;
problems with orthopedic structures;
incorrectly placed fillings.

The culprits also include constant overexertion, stressful situations, and immaturity of the central nervous system.

Symptoms of bruxism

The main sign of involuntary contraction of the muscles of the masticatory system is the distinct grinding of teeth against each other. The patient notices such an attack, which occurs during the daytime, and tries to control it. But cases that occur at night in a state of sleep can only be indicated by a person nearby. That is why people living alone often do not even suspect the presence of a disease such as bruxism.

Over time, regular attacks of involuntary teeth grinding lead to unambiguous problems in the oral cavity:

inflammation of the gums;
damage to teeth;
abrasion of enamel;
disruption of blood flow to soft tissues;
pain, especially in the morning;
discomfort when chewing.

Statistics indicate that about 15% of people suffer from this disease. However, the statistics are disingenuous, since no records are kept of patients living alone. More than 50% of the total number of patients suffering from bruxism are children.

The nocturnal type of bruxism can be either single or paroxysmal - these are manifestations of grinding, lasting from several seconds to a minute or more, and are also repeated during sleep with of different durations and intensity.

Diagnostic methods

In addition to patient complaints or eyewitness accounts indicating teeth grinding, a specialist needs to make a diagnosis of bruxism: clinical manifestations, medical history, physical examination and some additional studies. When examining the oral cavity, the doctor may notice characteristic signs:

enamel damage;
the smallest chipped teeth and other injuries;
swelling, redness of soft tissues;
inflammation of the periodontal space.

Course of the disease in adult patients

The most common reason due to which bruxism develops in adults is a strong emotional experience: the death of a loved one or pet, divorce, work problems, loss of property, serious previous illness and much more. Multiple dental procedures, especially those performed in a short period of time, also often cause attacks of teeth grinding. This may include the installation of orthopedic structures, implants, and restoration therapy.

Bruxism left “unattended” can lead not only to problems in the oral cavity, but also to more serious consequences. Over time, improper, constant stress on the joints causes severe muscle spasms and headaches. The lack of timely assistance and adequate measures to eliminate nervous tension leads to severe stress. There are known cases of suicide attempts due to advanced bruxism. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of this disease, a consultation with an in-person dentist will not be superfluous.

Pediatric bruxism

More than 50% of all identified cases of bruxism occur in children. It is believed that the disease is determined by genetic predisposition, but no solid evidence for this theory has yet been found. Also, some experts suggest that teeth grinding is of a rudimentary nature, inherited from ancestors who sharpened their teeth in this way. Stress is also considered as a factor provoking bruxism in children, but this assumption is even more elusive the younger the child.

Since in the vast majority of cases, teeth grinding at a young age goes away on its own, the question of how to treat bruxism in children most often does not arise. However, if help is still required, as is the case with adult patients, doctors have a whole arsenal of tools that relax the masticatory muscles. Therapy may include, both comprehensively and separately:

medication assistance;
principles of psychological influence;
installation of special orthopedic structures.

The treatment tactics are always determined by the dentist and only by him. Depending on the nature of bruxism, the duration of the disease and the factors that caused it, the specialist prescribes medications, gives recommendations regarding the day and night routine, uses dental devices if necessary, and writes a referral for psychological help.

Since nervous experiences, stress and instability of the psycho-emotional state are considered the main factors provoking bruxism, treatment in adults is primarily aimed at stabilizing the central nervous system and relaxing the muscular system through psychotherapy methods. In many cases, awareness of the problem, its acceptance as a given and a calm search for ways to solve it help reduce the patient’s anxiety level and stimulate the ability to independently cope with emerging obstacles.

Therefore, it is recommended to carefully control your behavior while awake, especially in situations associated with stressful conditions: for example, when you receive unpleasant news or get angry, do not clench your teeth, do not grind them, and do not try to close off your feelings in this way.

Often as additional measures impact, specialists together with the patient draw up a certain action plan, which includes the most uniform and calm activities:

leisurely walks;
reading literature;
baths with the addition of sea salt or sedative herbs;
massage and spa treatment courses;
listening to musical compositions in the “sounds of nature” style.

The complex of such measures may include everything that has a calming and relaxing effect on the patient.

However, if a person manages to control daytime manifestations of grinding, then night attacks remain unattended. To reduce the number and duration of contractions during sleep, many doctors recommend loading joints and muscles as much as possible during the day. For example, use chewing gum, which must be chewed several times a day, with special emphasis on jaw fatigue before bed. The rest of the time, it is advisable to minimally strain the facial muscles and not clench your jaw unnecessarily, with the exception of eating. Heat also has a positive effect: compresses on the cheekbones help relax the muscles.

Concerning drug therapy, then various sedatives and antidepressants can be used to relieve tension and anxiety in patients. If a deficiency of any microelement is detected, vitamin complexes and diets. In the presence of dental disorders, available treatment methods are used. Special exercises are used to relax the masticatory muscles.

Repeated night grinding puts a huge strain on the joints and teeth, which damages the integrity of the enamel and causes pain when chewing food. In such cases, a mouthguard for bruxism will help get rid of the problem of teeth grinding. The mouthguard is worn while sleeping and prevents the jaws from closing tightly during involuntary muscle contractions, which has a positive effect on the condition of the teeth and soft tissues.

Perhaps this is the most effective remedy on this moment. Dentists primarily recommend to their patients the right solution to get rid of teeth grinding. So how to get rid of it? An anti-bruxism mouthguard is an ideal design for treatment. Products are made strictly individually for each patient based on impressions taken from safe materials - bioplastic and biosilicone.

As for the prevention of bruxism, it is recommended to avoid stress conditions, monitor your behavior during nervous experiences, be calmer about everyday problems and do not neglect the help of psychotherapists. If you identify signs of involuntary contraction of the masticatory muscles in yourself or loved ones, it is advisable to contact the dentist as soon as possible.

Why does an adult grind his teeth? Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a rather unpleasant syndrome. According to statistics, approximately 15% of the world's population suffers from this phenomenon. Bruxism most often occurs during sleep. Grinding of teeth during sleep can last up to several minutes. Moreover, the sleeping person himself is not even aware of this feature of his body.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is spasm of masticatory muscles followed by uncontrolled movement closed jaws. In this case, the teeth adhere tightly to each other, creating friction and, accordingly, grinding. This phenomenon may be accompanied by the following disorders: nocturnal cessation of breathing (apnea), a drop in blood pressure, a slow heart rate. Bruxism is primarily a nocturnal phenomenon, but some people experience it during the day. While awake, a person does not grind his teeth, but clenches his jaw tightly. Usually few people pay attention to this phenomenon, but in vain. The phenomenon itself is, of course, harmless, but over time it can lead to tooth decay.

Symptoms of Bruxism

The patient is able to notice daytime bruxism himself, but nighttime bruxism is usually reported to him by loved ones who hear these sounds at night that interfere with sleep.

Manifestations of bruxism:

Grinding or grinding of teeth.
Morning pain in the temporomandibular joints and facial muscles.
Chronic inflammation joints, leading to limited mobility of the lower jaw.
Due to the gradual erosion of tooth enamel, sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold increases.
Loosening, fractures and chipped teeth.
As a result of tooth wear and deformation, a malocclusion is formed.
Sleep disturbance leading to headaches, drowsiness and chronic fatigue syndrome.

What else is bad about bruxism?

In addition to changes in the condition of muscles, teeth and osteoarticular apparatus, a large discomfort becomes a problem relatives and friends of the patient. Gradually, the patient himself begins to get nervous after he learns about the fact of teeth grinding at night.
Bruxism is often contraindication for installation crowns and implantation. Because even soft crowns, when rubbed, will wear down the teeth on the opposite jaw.

Reasons for grinding your teeth in your sleep

Dental problems

Anomalies and pathologies of the jaw and dentition:
Inflammation in the area of dental implants.
Poorly fitting removable dentures.
Malocclusion.

Nervous disorders. Action of neurotoxins

The presence of chronic neurosis, exhaustion of the nervous system against the background of quite long-term physical or mental stress can also cause the appearance of bruxism. One of the most important functions sleep is the processing and ridding of the nervous system of unnecessary information. A person in a dream also experiences various daytime problems, cannot relax normally and begins to grind his teeth.

Nocturnal bruxism occurs during phases REM sleep and episodes restless sleep: active movement eyeballs, involuntary muscle twitching.

Bruxism is often combined with sleep talking, snoring, sleep walking, and sometimes enuresis.

People who grind their teeth in their sleep often chew various objects (toothpicks, matches, pens, pencils or nails) in moments of stress.

Action household poisons that poison the human nervous system:

Alcohol.
Nicotine.
Nitro paints.

Inflammation of the temporomandibular joints

They usually lead to disruption functions of the mandibular joints. This disorder manifests itself as a clicking sound when opening the mouth, such as when biting off large pieces or yawning. Chronic inflammation of the joints causes increased nerve pulsations, which stimulate involuntary spasms of the masticatory muscles. As a result of muscle contraction, the lower jaw begins to move and, accordingly, teeth grinding occurs. Here it is formed vicious circle: inflammation provokes muscle spasm, which itself maintains this inflammation, causing a disorder normal ratio articular surfaces.

Theory about the influence of helminths

There is an opinion that the cause of teeth grinding during sleep is helminthic infestations. However, there is no connection between the manifestations of bruxism and the presence of helminths in the body. Anyone can grind their teeth, even those who have never had worms. But still there are more or less scientific explanation the fact that people who have worms may grind their teeth in their sleep:

Firstly, the availability helminthic infestations may lead to neuroticism in the patient.
Secondly, there is a clear deficiency of vitamin B12. If there are intestinal helminths in the body, the synthesis of vitamin B12 is reduced. Neuromuscular transmission worsens, which can lead to dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles.
Thirdly, the same vitamin B12 deficiency. The amount of oxygen reaching the brain decreases, which can lead to changes in the depth of sleep and the appearance of involuntary muscle contractions.

Treatment of bruxism

Before you begin treatment for bruxism, you need to find out probable reasons its occurrence. Based on this, the dentist or other specialist will prescribe treatment. So, if this phenomenon is based on stress, then the person needs to consult a psychologist or psychotherapist. In this case, he will have to get acquainted with special techniques that will help get rid of tension. You can also use other ways to get rid of stress: ventilating the room, walking in the fresh air, relaxing baths with various soothing aromatic oils, and a balanced diet.

Main methods of treatment:

Need to be on site more often fresh air. This will help prevent oxygen starvation brain
Limit factors that can cause stress.
Don't drink at night drinks that stimulate the nervous system (soda, energy drinks, coffee, strong tea).
Before bedtime warm with dry heat area of the masticatory muscles.
Silicone mouthguard. It is made in dental laboratory. Place in the mouth before going to bed.
For daytime bruxism, dentists use different tire modifications. They are completely invisible in the oral cavity and do not allow the teeth to close tightly, which will prevent the abrasion of the enamel.
In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe course of antidepressants or muscle relaxants.

Treatment with traditional methods

You can relax your jaw muscles by using self-massage And special compresses. Also, before going to bed, you can work out your muscles by gnawing on some hard fruit or vegetable: celery stalks, apples, carrots. Rinsing the mouth with chamomile decoction helps. Chamomile relieves tension and inflammation well. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe vitamin-mineral complexes or sedatives.

Bruxism is one of the most different areas medicine. Therefore, if prolonged episodes of teeth grinding occur, it is imperative to be examined by at least two specialists: a dentist and a neurologist.

Bruxism is a word little known to ordinary people. This is a pathology when a person grinds his teeth in his sleep. Some people are not even aware of this deviation if it only appears at night. What is this? A bad habit or a serious symptom of any disorder in the body?

How does bruxism manifest?

During sleep, strong and involuntary clenching of the teeth occurs; they creak, clatter or click. Symptoms usually intensify after a stressful situation or performing serious tasks. physical activity. Some people grind their teeth even during the daytime.

Interesting: the sound of grinding during bruxism is unpleasant and loud, which leads to irritation of people around.

As for night attacks, they occur more often than during the day. When a person is awake, he can control his condition. During sleep, teeth grinding lasts up to 15 seconds at certain intervals.

Peculiarities

Both children and adults can suffer from this manifestation of the body. Among the younger age category, almost 50% of cases of teeth grinding occur. Usually after the age of seven this manifestation goes away on its own.

The manifestation of bruxism is compared to a bad habit. People not only grind their teeth during the day, but also constantly bite the inside of their cheeks with their teeth. Bruxism manifests itself not only in teeth grinding, but also in the desire to constantly chew something. This could be nails, pencils and other items available at hand.

Bruxism is not considered a habit or a separate disease from a medical point of view. In most cases, teeth grinding is an involuntary action. And since this most often happens in a dream, willpower is ineffective here. Teeth grinding is considered a symptom of certain abnormalities in the body. It is difficult to get rid of, just like snoring or nightmares.

Causes

There is no exact answer to why a person grinds his teeth. Different categories of specialists have their own opinions on the development of bruxism. Even in its manifestation, teeth grinding can change its character - be episodic or last constantly.

Regardless of the cause, teeth grinding has a detrimental effect on the condition of the teeth, jaws, joints, tissues and surrounding muscles.

There are many factors for the development of pathology, but the most important is the psychological or psycho-emotional background.

According to psychologists

Long-term reactions of the body, expressed in anger, grief, sadness or fear. All these conditions gradually contribute to the development of neurosis, depression or a stressful situation. Constant negative emotions, associated with increased excitability or aggression, can also play a big role.

Constant overexertion, leading to stiffness of the jaw, facial muscles and teeth. During the daytime, this can be controlled by forcing yourself to relax. But at night, nerve impulses are transmitted with the same force as the central nervous system is excited.

Teeth grinding under stress occurs periodically. This becomes a signal that changes in the environment are already occurring in the body. The neurosis is characterized by frequent and painful grinding at night.

According to somnologists

Bruxism is often a consequence of sleep disturbance. The person experiences excessively deep or restless sleep, nightmares, sleepwalking, or apnea. Nervous disorders affect night's rest. A person does not relax in front of him, he remains tense. And during sleep, the jaws become clenched, which causes creaking when moving.

According to neurologists

Grinding of teeth signals a significant disturbance in the nervous system. This may be caused by epilepsy or a predisposition to it. There are often cases where people begin to grind their teeth after accidents with TBI. Deviations in the functioning of the jaw muscles begin after damage to the trigeminal nerve and its neurons.

According to dentists

Incorrect bite, violation of prosthetic technology or installation of braces. A slight deviation in dental surgery can cause teeth grinding at night. Bruxism often occurs after tooth restoration with a filling.

It is quite possible to identify bruxism by external signs. It is also enough to ask one of the household members to stay up late and listen to the sounds.

The sizes and shapes of the upper part of the tooth enamel (crown) change.
Minor or large cracks appear on the cutting edge.
The chewing surface of the teeth is damaged.
There are irregularities and depressions throughout the tooth.
The bite gradually becomes distorted.
The appearance and internal structure of the mucous membrane inside the cheeks deteriorates.
After sleep, headache and drowsiness are noted.
During the day, there is stiffness in the jaw muscles and slight tinnitus.

Bruxism is not considered a serious pathology, but over time it can lead to serious consequences.

Complications from teeth grinding may be short-lived if the disorder is recognized early. At this stage, adults or children experience pain in the head or ears. There is constant discomfort in the jaw, tooth mobility and periodontal inflammation.

If there is no treatment or the person is not aware of bruxism, then the complications are remote. After a few years of grinding, teeth wear out and break. Hearing problems and pronounced facial asymmetry gradually appear.

At the first signs of bruxism, it is recommended to consult a specialist - a neurologist or psychiatrist.
Before going to bed, forced relaxation is done. Gradually it will become a habit.
During the day you need rest, maintaining a good mood.
Maximum exclusion of stressful situations.
Before going to bed, the jaw is subjected to heavy load. You can chew hard vegetables and fruits (pears, carrots). Well, the jaw gets tired of the seeds.
Reception possible sedatives and soothing tea (only after consulting a doctor).
It is important to combine a daily routine where work and rest alternate.
During the year, vacations, sports, and leisure time in the fresh air are required.

Why do people grind their teeth in their sleep - video

Clenched jaws have a strong impact on a person’s appearance - depending on the position of the jaws, the oval of the face changes, the nasolabial folds shift, and a second set appears.If symptoms associated with discomfort and even pain in the maxillofacial area are constant, this may indicate the presence of serious pathologies. The patient needs to seek help from specialists as soon as possible.

Why does tension appear in the jaw?

Pain when chewing food, yawning or grinding teeth during sleep may be associated with certain diseases (we recommend reading:). Pain is a kind of signal from the body about the presence of pathology. Experienced doctor will be able to quickly identify the cause of the disease. Sometimes the patient simply does not notice a jaw spasm, but such a symptom cannot be ignored, because it can signal serious problems.

The jaw can cramp for various reasons, here are the main ones:

fracture of the jaw joint, leading to a defect in the bone structures;
osteomyelitis;
sarcoma;
sinusitis;
gum diseases (gingivitis, periodontitis);
malocclusion;
use of dentures and braces;
trigeminal neuralgia;
arthritis and arthrosis;
stress.

Common problems

This article talks about typical ways to solve your issues, but each case is unique! If you want to find out from me how to solve your particular problem, ask your question. It's fast and free!

Spasms in the jaw can be single or multiple. Women often experience a similar symptom during pregnancy. This condition can be short-term or last for a long time.

Usually a spasm occurs:

while yawning;
in the presence of a disease such as bruxism or osteochondrosis;
during nervous or muscle strain;
in the presence of oral diseases.

A person may experience discomfort on the right or left side of the jaw. Both children and adults are susceptible to spasms of the jaw muscles; sometimes this condition is associated with a previous injury. Why does the jaw cramp, what disease is this condition a symptom of? A highly qualified doctor will be able to answer this question when a patient goes to specialized medical institutions.

Tension in the lower jaw

Sometimes a person feels his lower jaw cramping. This symptom may indicate the onset of an inflammatory process in the trigeminal nerve, which supplies innervation to the face. Pain may radiate to one or another part of the face. Sometimes toothaches occur. As a rule, the chewing apparatus reduces within 10-20 minutes, after which the pain goes away.

If such symptoms are intermittent, you should consult a doctor. The specialist must examine the patient for the presence or absence of malignant neoplasms in the maxillofacial area. Then appropriate treatment is prescribed.

Cramps when yawning

Muscle spasms can be caused by injury, and sometimes the injured area swells. You can cope with unpleasant sensations in the muscles with the help of cold compresses and special exercises.

Sometimes a cramp occurs against the background of constantly tense muscles, when a person eats solid food, which must be chewed for a long time and thoroughly. When yawning separate groups muscles lose their tone, and when this process is completed, on the contrary, their hypertonicity appears.

The appearance of a headache

Headaches can occur for a number of reasons:

due to sedentary work;
when overworked;
due to spinal injuries or jaw bone fractures;
the pain may be due to a migraine.

Medicines

If the cramps that occur are associated with dental problems, then the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. As a rule, visiting a dentist helps get rid of trismus. If the joint is damaged due to the development of arthrosis or arthritis, the patient should start taking non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Jaw muscle tension is relieved with the help of muscle relaxants. They help reduce tone. Nervous disorders and stress are treated with sedatives having sedative and anticonvulsant effects. Special exercises will help you relax your muscles.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

With trismus, the main focus should be on relaxing the muscles. In addition to the use of medications, good results can be achieved by performing physiotherapeutic procedures. A relaxing massage and alternating cold and warm compresses reduce muscle tone and pain subsides. Electrophoresis has a therapeutic effect, produces a calming effect and relieves spasms. With the help of UHF, heat is applied to tense chewing muscles, which leads to a decrease in pain.

Relaxation exercises

If the tension in the masticatory muscles is mild, the inflammatory process does not develop, and there are no injuries, then you can cope with the unpleasant sensations at home.

According to experts, to relax, it is better to use various meditation methods or do a light massage of the masticatory apparatus. Movements should be careful and smooth. By gently stroking and kneading the painful area, as well as performing special exercises, you will be able to quickly get rid of the spasm and return to normal life. to the usual way life.

Preventing spasms in the jaw muscles

To prevent the occurrence of such symptoms, you need to treat bad teeth in a timely manner and regularly visit the dentist’s office. If possible, avoid jaw injuries and stressful situations and take care of your mental health.

Often, dehydration can provoke a spasm of the masticatory apparatus, so you need to drink more, consuming at least 1.5 liters of fluid per day. By eating right and leading healthy image life, you can strengthen muscles and increase the body's immune strength.

Contents [Show]

WHY CLEAN YOUR TEETH?

Clenching the jaws of animals is an important protective reflex, which allows them not only to tear apart food, but also to defend themselves from predators. It is believed that in the process of evolution it was inherited by humans. Therefore, jaw tension is the first reaction to stress in young children. Normally, as they grow older, new, more appropriate ways of responding to unpleasant influences appear, and the child clenches his jaw less and less often. But about 20% of people have an inherited overactivity of neurons in the masticatory center in the brain. Their teeth clenching is a psychosomatic reaction, a way to release nervous tension through body actions. At the same time, people do not even realize that they are straining their jaws. Not everyone is able to admit: I clench my teeth hard.

When a patient comes to us with hyperfunction of the masticatory muscles, we ask him whether he clenches his teeth during the day or grinds his teeth at night, and he, as a rule, answers that he does not. And then we let him go for a week with the task: to record his
pay attention to the position of the lower jaw throughout the day. Imagine their shock when they come back a week later and say that indeed their teeth were clenched all the time!

WHAT IS THE DANGER?

The problem is not only in the jaw clenching itself, but also in the conditions in which it most often occurs.

People with bruxism, or overuse of the masticatory muscles, tend to have high levels of anxiety. Constant clenching of the jaws leads to dental problems, primarily to abrasion of tooth enamel. A common complication of bruxism is headache. People usually describe this pain, caused by tension in the head muscles, as resembling a “helmet” or “hula hoop.” In addition, constant tension in the masticatory muscles causes dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, which can also lead to constant pain.

Aesthetic problems also arise. Hypertrophy of the masticatory muscle provokes hypertrophy of the angle of the lower jaw, that is bone tissue.

This happens because muscles attach to protrusions of bone, and the larger the muscle grows, the bulkier the bone associated with it becomes. That's why Bottom part the person's face becomes wide, massive, ponderous. The corners of the mouth look drooping, and sagging areas of skin - jowls - quickly form.

DOCTORS WILL HELP

When a patient comes to us and claims that I clench my teeth too much, we conduct special tests to assess the state of the nervous system. We give you brux checkers - pads that need to be placed on your teeth before going to bed. Impressions remain on them, allowing you to evaluate the activity of the masticatory muscles during the night. The deeper the impression, the stronger the person clenched his jaw. Some patients with bruxism return such systems to us with holes in them, although it is difficult to bite through them.

IN severe cases we refer you to polysomnography - a study of night sleep, which allows you to objectively document the activity of the masticatory muscles. While awake, we can conduct surface electromyography of the masticatory muscles - recording their electrical activity using electrodes installed on the skin of the face.

We also do an orthopantomogram (panoramic photograph of the teeth) to exclude dental pathology and evaluate signs of bone tissue hypertrophy in the area of the angles of the lower jaw.

And based on the results of all these studies, we decide on therapy.

First of all, we make a special splint (mouthguard) for a person, which is installed on the lower jaw. A person sleeps in it and spends 1-2 hours during the day. The mouth guard prevents the jaws from closing and serves as an obstacle. In addition, when wearing a mouth guard, the masticatory muscles are stretched, and the spasm gradually goes away. We also ask the patient to pay attention to the position of the jaw (when a person is silent, the lips are closed, but the jaws should be open) in order to try to unlearn the habit of clenching the jaw. In addition, we evaluate the person’s psycho-emotional state, because teeth clench precisely against the background of stress. In this case, anti-anxiety, neurotropic drugs, and vitamins may be prescribed. Sometimes consultations with a psychoanalyst are recommended - after the resolution of psycho-emotional problems and intrapersonal conflicts, the problem of hyperactivity of the masticatory muscles may disappear.

If all these methods do not bring significant success, we move on to the second stage of therapy - these are injections of botulinum toxin Tin A. The same substance is used to treat hyperhidrosis, migraines and smooth out wrinkles. In this case, we inject it into the masticatory muscle. In this case, the chewing function is preserved, but the ability to clench the teeth is temporarily reduced. And again, we ask patients to remember this state well, when the muscles are relaxed, in order to learn how to reproduce it in the future.

On average, we give injections once a year. For most people, 2-3 injections are enough, then the person himself will wean himself from the habit of clenching his teeth. By the way, this can be seen when former patient a year later he comes into the office: if the hypertrophy of the masticatory muscle goes away, the hypertrophy of the bone tissue goes away, the volume decreases lower half faces. There is a feeling that the person has lost weight. The improvements are not only visual: they are confirmed by repeated orthopantomogram data.

Causes of the disease

According to psychologists, stress, neurosis, and depression can trigger the onset of the disease. In this state, a person’s facial and temporomandibular muscles are tense, and their teeth are clenched tightly. During the day, the pathology is still controllable, but in sleep it manifests itself as teeth grinding. Under stress, this phenomenon is periodic. With neuroses, which are the result of prolonged nervous tension, bruxism manifests itself more often and more painfully in adults. The cause and treatment in this case are obvious. It is necessary to stabilize the emotional state of a person.

Bruxism in adults may indicate the presence of complexes on a subconscious level. Perhaps a person cannot decide something in life, and this becomes the cause of anger and internal tension. It is possible that this problem is the result of repressed aggression. A well-mannered person does not allow himself to throw out his emotions, he pushes problems inside, which finds a way out during sleep and manifests itself in the night grinding.

Bruxism can be observed in a person who suffers from sleepwalking, apnea, or sometimes the patient is simply tormented by nightmares. Teeth grinding can be accompanied by serious disruptions in the functioning of the nervous system.

Dental problems, such as malocclusion, uncomfortable dentures or braces, or poorly installed fillings, can also provoke the development of a disease such as bruxism in adults. The cause and treatment in this case are determined by the dentist.

The development of the disease can be triggered by a tumor or brain injury, vitamin deficiency, or the presence of bad habits, passion for antidepressants, sleeping pills, hereditary factors also play an important role.

Signs of the disease

The most important sign of bruxism is loud grinding of teeth during sleep. This lasts for several seconds or minutes and can be repeated several times during the night. The attack begins suddenly. The disease may be accompanied by anxiety and tension, eating disorders, insomnia, and irritability. This phenomenon often accompanies stress and depression.

In addition, a person suffering from bruxism may experience headaches, ear pain, increased tooth sensitivity and the formation of cracks in them, pain in the facial muscles and jaw joints.

Diagnostics

You should first contact your dentist with this problem. Based on the patient’s complaints and examination of the teeth, a diagnosis of “bruxism” is made. The causes and treatment of this pathology are interrelated.

It may be necessary to conduct a polysomnographic study, which can be used to record a spasm of the masticatory muscles of a sleeping person to exclude epilepsy as the cause of the spasm.

Treatment

With a disease such as bruxism, the causes are difficult to establish, which means that getting rid of this unpleasant phenomenon is quite problematic, but still possible. The main goal of treating nighttime teeth grinding is to relax the masticatory muscles.

Bruxism in children often goes away on its own. Adults need to pay special attention to treatment. It will be more successful if the problem is detected in the early stages.

The patient needs to wean himself from the habit of clenching his teeth and grinding them under nervous tension, and in a state of excitement, control his chewing movements. Psychotherapy has a positive effect, as it helps to identify and understand conflict and teaches how to cope with everyday difficulties. To get rid of stress, it is recommended to walk a lot before bed, read books, listen to relaxing music. You can take sedatives that are sold at pharmacies, or you can prepare them yourself. To reduce muscle spasm activity during sleep, it is recommended to take medications that contain calcium, magnesium and B vitamins.

The most effective treatments

Such methods include the use of a mouthguard, which is selected individually and prevents the abrasion of tooth enamel. In severe cases, it is recommended to use plastic splints - special linings on the teeth that prevent damage. Such devices help reduce the activity of the masticatory muscles.

Mandibular thrusters are successfully used for diseases such as bruxism. What it is? This is a device in the form of two overlays on the teeth, on springs. And they use it mainly to get rid of snoring, but it also copes well with such a problem as teeth grinding in sleep. With the help of such a device, the jaw and tongue are maintained in an extended position, which helps facilitate breathing. Botox is sometimes used to treat bruxism.

Kappa for bruxism

Night bruxism, unlike daytime bruxism, cannot be controlled. In this case, special night guards are used for treatment. The device is placed on the teeth before going to bed, which protects them from abrasion.

The mouth guard is made to individual sizes. During a night attack, all the pressure falls on this device, which allows you to preserve tooth enamel and protect orthopedic structures. Using a mouthguard allows you to avoid the displacement of teeth, which constantly rub against each other and become loose. Of course, the orthodontic device does not eliminate the cause of the disease, but it protects the teeth from damage. Therefore, its use is only part of complex therapy.

Making a mouth guard

For the manufacture of mouth guards, special two-layer materials are used. For maximum gum comfort inner part the device is made soft. The hard exterior ensures the durability of this fixture.

The device is made to individual sizes, which ensures greater efficiency. This product will not slip or fall out during sleep and will provide protection from excessive pressure on the teeth.

Caring for your mouthguard is not difficult. In the morning you need to rinse it with water from the inside. External part cleaned with a toothbrush. To store the product, use a special case or glass of water. The device must be shown to the dentist from time to time. He will assess the condition of the mouthguard and, if necessary, recommend making a new one.

How to help yourself

A diagnosis of bruxism may come as a surprise to a person. What it is and how to relieve symptoms is of interest to many. You can try to get rid of jaw muscle tension with a warm, damp compress or, conversely, ice.

Massage of the face, neck and shoulder girdle, as well as relaxing gymnastics, also work well. During the massage, focus on pain points, when pressed, painful sensations radiate to the head or face.

Learn to relax as much as possible before bed, avoid stress. You can try drinking soothing teas or taking warm baths before bed. At night, you can chew something hard or at least chewing gum - this tires you out and at the same time soothes your muscles while you rest. Avoid foods rich in caffeine and carbohydrates, which cause stimulation in the body. Walk more in the fresh air, play sports.

Bruxism in children: cause and treatment

With emotional stress, nervous strain, and neurological disorders, children may experience bruxism. What is it and is treatment needed? This question worries many parents. If the disease is caused by disorders of the nervous system, a neurologist will help.

Bruxism in children may disappear on its own with age. In case of malocclusion or abnormal structure of the dentition, orthodontic treatment may be necessary.

If the causes of bruxism in children lie in overexcitation and stress, proper organization of the daily routine is necessary. The baby benefits from active walks in the fresh air. Offering your baby solid foods will help reduce overactive chewing muscles. Before going to bed, it is necessary to exclude noisy games, massage and a warm bath are useful.

Parents should be alerted to severe attacks that continue for a long time. After them, as a rule, the child complains of a severe headache or toothache. There may be other unpleasant consequences of a disease such as bruxism in children. The cause and treatment in this case are determined by a specialist.

How dangerous is the disease?

Grinding your teeth in your sleep leads to abrasion of the enamel, loosening, tooth loss, headaches, and unpleasant sensations in the neck and masticatory muscles. In some people, the bones of the lower and upper jaw thicken, which is noticeable visually. A person suffering from bruxism experiences psychological discomfort, which affects the quality of life.

In children and young people, the disease often goes away on its own without causing any consequences. Treatment in such cases is not required.

Traditional methods of treatment

Bruxism in adults, which is caused by frequent stress and nervous strain, can be successfully treated using traditional methods aimed at normalizing the emotional state.

In frequent stressful situations, it is recommended to perform a relaxing facial massage. Yoga classes help relieve nervous tension. Baths with aromatic oils or soothing herbs (chamomile, valerian, mint), teas are useful. You can make warm herbal lotions that help relieve tension in the facial muscles. You need to keep this compress for a long time.

Forecast

It is quite difficult to get rid of the problem on your own. Self-medication can result in serious consequences. With the problem of bruxism, you need to contact a dentist, who will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment. If you follow all the recommendations, it is quite possible to get rid of the problem.

What is bruxism

Bruxism is observed in 50% of children; as they grow older, in most cases, teeth grinding at night stops. But it’s better to find out the reasons right away in order to avoid health problems in the future. In adults, the phenomenon is less common and is not considered an independent disease, but this is a clear signal that not everything is in order with the body.

There are two types of bruxism:

Day. It does not occur as often, it is easier to recognize. Periodically during the day, during tense moments, a spasm of the jaw occurs, which takes on an unusual, abnormal position. In most cases, self-control will help you cope with daytime bruxism.
Night. It is much more dangerous, because during deep sleep a person does not control his actions.

At the time of an attack, pressure is applied to the jaw that is 10 times greater than the load during chewing.

Reason #1: Stress

Scientists from the University of Dusseldorf conducted a study involving 48 subjects and proved that the main cause of bruxism is stress. In sleep, the body rests, cleanses itself and gets rid of unnecessary information, and clenching the jaw, a person continues to experience the troubles of the day at night. Constant nervous tension is a sure way to the development of this disorder.

Bad habits

The occurrence of bruxism can be triggered by lifestyle. The following have a negative impact:

nicotine addiction;
drinking alcohol in large quantities;
exceeding the daily caffeine intake;
taking antidepressants.

Congenital anomalies

The reason may also be hidden in defects of the facial skeleton, for example, in the incorrect structure of the joints that connect the temporal bone and the lower jaw.

Neurology

Dental reasons

Various problems in the oral cavity can also lead to the development of bruxism:

malocclusion;
loss of some teeth;
braces;
dentures, veneers;
poorly placed fillings.

Theory about helminths

Symptoms

There are a number of additional signs that may indicate the manifestation of night bruxism:

throbbing pain in temples in the morning;
dizziness and ringing in the ears;
soreness of the jaw muscles;
constant feeling of fatigue, drowsiness;
discomfort in the sinuses;
restless sleep and frequent awakenings.

Treatment of bruxism

A complete dental examination and elimination of all problems in the oral cavity, including correction of malocclusion.
The use of special mouthguards made individually according to the size of the patient’s jaw. With their help, teeth are protected from injury, but they cannot completely get rid of the problem.
Injections of a minimal amount of Botox. It prevents the jaws from clenching tightly, partially paralyzing the muscles of the mouth.
Apply soothing warm compresses before bed.
Taking medications and vitamin-mineral complexes, including magnesium, calcium, B vitamins.
Minimizing stressful situations, allocating time during the day for rest and walks.
Limit heavy food intake in the evening. This will promote muscle relaxation and healthy sleep.

If a serious pathology of the jaw is detected, surgical intervention, such as plastic surgery of the articular disc, or the use of laser therapy is possible.

Special exercises and massage

Exercises and self-massage will help in the treatment of bruxism:

Squeezing your jaw with your palms below on both sides, you need to press lightly with your fingers, massaging it in a circular motion. It is advisable to repeat such manipulations, which help relieve tension from the problem area, every day for at least 2-3 minutes.
Chin muscle training. With your mouth slightly open, you need to push your jaw back with your fingers. The procedure is repeated several times during the day, at least 10 times in 1 approach.
Chewing gum exercise. You need to roll the chewing gum balls from one corner of your mouth to the other. It is better to do this before going to bed, until you feel tired in your muscles, then the likelihood that your jaw will be clenched tightly in your sleep will sharply decrease.

Diagnosis of bruxism

The unconsciousness of the manifestation of bruxism means that during the day while awake, involuntarily grinding teeth or at night in a dream, a person does not control this process. But during the day you can hear this sound yourself and interrupt the action. At night, only loved ones can stop this painful action and unpleasant sound by waking up the grinding person.

Attention! There is a popular method for diagnosing bruxism or Carolini phenomenon - EMG (electromyography). Sensors are connected to the patient's head to record the activity of the oral muscles.

Before going for a diagnosis, you can identify some signs of bruxism yourself. Regular grinding of teeth during sleep sooner or later manifests itself:

Not so obvious, but can be caused by bruxism - tinnitus, pain and clicking when opening the mouth, neck pain, jaw numbness, headache, lack of sleep, weakness.

Bruxism and its consequences for human health

Important! Grinding of teeth in sleep - bruxism or ondoterism, if repeated for a long time, affects the health of the person suffering from it. First of all, the layer of enamel on the teeth becomes thinner and wears out, which leads to their increased sensitivity and caries.

Several years of bruxism can cause teeth to wear down, become loose, painful sensations in the jaw muscles, and clicking sounds when chewing and swallowing food. Grinding teeth can result in night snoring or apnea, which can lead to possible respiratory arrest. Doctors believe that prolonged bruxism can cause mental problems over time.

Grinding of teeth in a dream is associated with the fact that even in sleep the nervous system is under tension, the body is unable to fully relax and rest. Another indirect consequence of bruxism is that unpleasant loud sounds Relatives also suffer because they also cannot get a good night’s sleep.

Causes of bruxism in adults

Sometimes grinding teeth in a dream is considered a continuation of the bad habit of gnawing something during excitement - nails, the tip of a pen or pencil. But the main cause is stress. A person’s natural reaction to strong anxiety, excessive brain activity, taking certain drugs: caffeine, amphetamines, alcohol, or emotional overexcitation is clenching his teeth. So a person tries to restrain the rushing excitement until his jaws creak. This phenomenon may also be associated with problems in the oral cavity - incorrect bite, incorrectly designed orthopedic structures, lack of teeth. Teeth grinding at night and during the day can be a consequence of insomnia, when a person sleeps too lightly or often wakes up, a symptom of Parkinson's disease.

Important! The cause of bruxism in adults and children at night and during the day has nothing to do with the appearance of worms in the intestines.

How to get rid of teeth grinding

In adults, bruxism is treated by eliminating the main symptom – teeth grinding – using:

In parallel with the removal of symptoms, the cause of bruxism is determined. If we're talking about about a constant stressful situation, then a psychotherapeutic effect on the patient’s nervous system is used in order to relieve emotional stress, achieve complete relaxation, methods of auto-training and self-hypnosis.

If the problem is a malocclusion, the patient is sent to an orthodontist to correct it using braces or implantation. When it comes to the use of certain substances or drugs, you have to stop them, stop using them (for example, coffee, nicotine, alcohol) or find out the specific side effects of the drug in consultation with your doctor. Recommended for relieving symptoms of bruxism:

Restoration of tooth enamel, their appearance This is possible only after the symptoms of bruxism have been eliminated, otherwise this procedure will not make sense or will have to be repeated again.

Folk remedies

The fight against bruxism with folk remedies is aimed at eliminating its main cause - stress and tension in the nervous system.

Attention! For relaxation and stress relief ethnoscience uses decoctions of medicinal herbs in the form of tea - chamomile, lemon balm, mint, valerian root.

Warm milk with a spoon of honey at night is very relaxing, soothing and promotes sound sleep. To eliminate the main cause of bruxism - nervous and emotional tension - proven folk remedies include warm baths with aromatic oils, pine needles, sea salt, massage sessions, long vigorous walks before bed, ventilation of the bedroom, cool air in it at night. Applying a warm, damp towel to your face before bed helps prevent teeth grinding at night. For a sound sleep, it is recommended to listen to calm music at night, read a light, or better yet, a boring book.

But the help of professionals is often irreplaceable. To reliably and permanently get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of bruxism, it is best to contact one of the Moscow dental clinics. Well equipped and staffed with competent specialists, they are able to provide qualified dental care of any degree of complexity and completely solve the problem of teeth grinding.

Prevention of bruxism

Grinding your teeth in a dream is a signal that a certain malfunction has occurred in the body. To prevent such symptoms and learn to relax effectively, moderate physical activity is necessary, which brings “muscular joy” and promotes the release of endorphins, balanced diet with an increase in the amount of fruits, vegetables, nuts, a decrease in the amount of sweets, less stimulating drinks, positive emotions, complete rest.
It is necessary to increase the stress resistance of the nervous system, use meditative practices, auto-training, self-hypnosis for this, try to remain calm and have a positive perception of the world in difficult situations. Only if these simple rules You can not only overcome bruxism, but significantly improve the condition of the body as a whole, prevent many diseases, and strengthen the nervous system.

“My boyfriend grinds his teeth terribly at night, if I wake up, then falling asleep is not an option at all! There is creaking throughout the entire apartment. He doesn’t believe it himself…” (from comments).

Involuntary teeth grinding can occur both during the day and during sleep. Nocturnal bruxism is a more serious problem because it is more difficult to control.

Most people don't even realize that they are grinding their teeth while they sleep.

Some people learn about this from others who find unpleasant sounds disturbing their sleep.

Others are the result of a dental examination when it is discovered that their teeth and enamel are worn down. It is especially difficult for a single person to understand that he is a bruiser.

Knowing the symptoms of bruxism, you can early stage Diagnose a health disorder and prevent its dangerous consequences, such as infection, gumboil and tooth loss.

Bruxism is

unconscious strong clenching of the jaws, not associated with the chewing function, is accompanied by grinding of teeth.

Neurologists put the phenomenon on a par with intractable parasomnias, such as snoring, sleepwalking, and nightmares. In their opinion, bruxism is similar to sleep talking and occurs against the background of aggressive dreams, or serves as a response to constant stress.

Compression of the jaw ligaments is an evolutionary instinct of homo sapiens, whose teeth serve as weapons against a rival or predator.

Clenching the jaws of a modern person is, as a rule, a defensive reaction to problematic situations, an expression of negative emotions: fear, anger, malice, hostility, disappointment, etc.

The term bruxomania (“La bruxomanie”, French) was first proposed at the beginning of the twentieth century by medical scientists M. Pietkiewicz, M. M. Marie, M. Karoly, who saw a connection between teeth grinding and destruction of the central nervous system.

Synonyms: occlusal neurosis, odonterism, bruxomania, “Karolyi effect”, parafunction of masticatory muscles.

Interesting fact: the phenomenon of bruxism is mentioned in the Old and New Testaments, in particular, where the phrase “weeping and gnashing of teeth” describes the fate of sinners in hell.

Do you grind your teeth in your sleep?

Signs of bruxism are numerous and may include:

Excessively worn flat or dull teeth (teeth) that are cracked or chipped.

Repeated damage to dentures (fillings, crowns).

Damaged tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers.

Indentations (imprints) of teeth in the tongue (“serrated” or “scalloped” tongue).

Tooth hypersensitivity (for example, when drinking cold liquids), caused by wear and tear of the insulating layer of dentin and enamel around the dental pulp.

Ear pain and stiffness in the temporomandibular joint, manifested painful sensations in front of the ear.

Tightness, soreness, or fatigue of the chewing muscles, which may worsen during chewing or other jaw movement.

Tooth pain.

Damage to the insides of the cheeks.

Stains on teeth.

Inflammation and recession of the gums (exposure of the tooth root), excessive tooth mobility.

Headache (craniofacial), especially in the temples, associated with the temporalis muscle.

Facial muscle pain (facial myalgia).

Tightness and stiffness in the shoulders.

Trismus is limited opening of the mouth due to spasm of the masticatory muscles.

The sound of teeth grinding is a serious disturbance to your neighbors' sleep.

Let's take a closer look at four of these symptoms.

Tooth wear,

caused by tooth-to-tooth contact is called abrasion. This is the most common type of tooth wear that occurs with odonterism and affects the occlusal surface of the teeth. The exact location and pattern of abrasion depends on the mechanism of bruxism.

For example, when the canines and incisors of opposing arches move laterally relative to each other, under the action of the medial pterygoid muscles, this can lead to abrasion of the incisal edges of the teeth. As tooth wear progresses through the enamel layer, the exposed dentin (the hard underlying structure of the tooth) becomes softer and more vulnerable to wear and decay.

If enough of a tooth's enamel is worn away or decayed, the tooth will effectively be weakened and may break under the increased forces that occur in episodes of bruxism.

Jaw pain

occurs from excessive clenching of the teeth, and leads to their grinding due to excessive pressure on the joints of the oral structure. Jaw pain may worsen when chewing gum or eating tough foods such as steak.

Toothache

Perhaps the most obvious and most serious symptom of teeth grinding is toothache. It's not hard to understand why this happens. Teeth are not built to withstand bruxism attacks.

Grinding your teeth uses force similar to what you would have to crack a nut. Teeth cannot remain healthy in long term, if exposed to such pressure every day.

Grinding can cause small cracks in the tooth, causing pain when chewing. Sensitivity may develop because odonterism wears away the enamel that protects teeth from extreme temperatures.

Stains on teeth

indicate that the enamel has worn away and the layer underneath, called dentin, is beginning to disappear. For dentists, these stains are an indicator of teeth grinding or clenching. They become more sensitive when these wear marks develop because the teeth are less protected without layers of enamel.

Bruxism consequences

The Karolyi effect is a leading culprit in many temporomandibular joint disorders:

Aching pain in the face or chin.
Soreness in or near the ear.
Jaw soreness.
A locking of the mouth joint that prevents the mouth from opening or closing.
Pain when chewing.
Clicking sound when opening and closing the mouth.

Bruxism: predisposition. Risk group

Teeth clenching is most often associated with stress, but it can also be exacerbated by habitual chewing on other things such as gum, nails, pencils or pens. Bruxers are advised to exercise self-control whenever possible and avoid chewing on other objects, as this bad habit worsens symptoms.

Studies, with varying degrees of evidence, have shown that high levels of bruxism occur in people with the following health conditions:

Risk group.

Persons who use substances that stimulate the masticatory muscles:

The risk group consists of people whose professional activity associated with constant strain of attention (opticians, military, neurosurgeons, testers, etc.).
Neurological and psychiatric diseases also serve as provoking factors.

Summary

Scientists say that teeth grinding is part of a natural mechanism of human survival. When under stress, his shoulders automatically slouch, his head moves slightly forward, and his teeth clench.

One study found that while the average person's tooth enamel loses about 0.3 millimeters every decade, bruxers can wear off 0.2 mm in just a couple of years.

Once you have determined that you grind your teeth in your sleep, contact a specialist. They will prescribe a number of procedures and medical options that will help prevent further damage to your teeth.

I hope the article about the symptoms of bruxism gave a clear understanding of such a dangerous disorder in the body, which is not considered a disease, but can cause considerable damage to health.

Sources: en.wikipedia, A.M. Brozgol and V.A. Alekseev “Pathological abrasion of teeth”, 1970; A.P. Zaligyan and L.M. Demner “Clinic and treatment of bruxism”, Dentistry, p. 77 No. 5, 1986; N.V. Yuryeva, N.N. Maslova, P.N. Geletin "Electroencephalographic features in patients with bruxism."

Elena Valve for the project Sleepy Cantata.

Read on topic:

Bruxism in adults, causes;
How to get rid of teeth grinding in your sleep. Jaw exercises.

Bruxism, or unconscious teeth grinding, can occur at any age. If in childhood this problem often goes away on its own, then in adults without adequate treatment not enough. Ignoring this symptom can lead to many unpleasant consequences, including constant headaches and tooth loss.

What is bruxism

Periodic attacks of bruxism occur in 10–15% of the adult population. They manifest themselves in the form of strong clenching of the jaws, creaking, tapping and clicking of teeth. This occurs as a result of spasm of the masticatory muscles.

Most often, attacks occur in unconscious, during sleep. Having woken up, a person does not remember what happened to him, and learns about this peculiarity of his only from the words of his relatives.

Teeth grinding can be a problem not only for children, but also for adults.

Attacks of bruxism usually last from 10–15 seconds to a minute and are repeated at individual intervals. At the same time, the person’s blood pressure rises, the pulse quickens and difficulty breathing occurs.

Teeth grinding has several official scientific names: bruxism, odonterism, Carolini phenomenon.

Doctors do not consider this condition a pathology and equate bruxism with snoring, sleepwalking and nightmares.

Classification

Bruxism is distinguished:

Day. This variety is quite rare because while awake people are usually able to control the movements of their muscles and jaws. Daytime bruxism affects men and women who are constantly under stress. To calm down, they chew pens and pencils, bite their lips and internal sides cheeks, bite nails, chew foreign objects. At a moment when a person experiences strong tension or strong emotions, his jaw involuntarily clenches and creaks, which can irritate others. Despite the fact that daytime bruxism from the outside seems like just a bad habit, it is extremely difficult to get rid of it without the help of a psychologist.
Night. Grinding of teeth during sleep is much more common, and gender and age do not matter. Several attacks usually occur during the night, and the person may not even be aware of it until the symptoms of bruxism become obvious. Among the most striking manifestations are the abrasion of tooth enamel, pain in the jaw joints and damage to the gums.

If you can get rid of daytime bruxism with the help of constant self-control, then nighttime bruxism requires a more comprehensive approach to treatment. In addition, its diagnosis, especially early, is quite difficult, since it is almost impossible to notice attacks without outside help. A person can only suspect this condition based on a combination of certain symptoms.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of bruxism include the following:

headache in the morning;
pain in the ears and paranasal sinuses;
discomfort after sleep in the jaw, neck, shoulders, and back;
pain while chewing;
toothache;
numbness of the jaws upon awakening;
visual enlargement of the jaw muscles;
increased tearing and eye irritation;
clicking in the maxillofacial joints;
dizziness;
tinnitus;
drowsiness, feeling of weakness;
depressed state turning into depression;
loss of appetite;
insomnia or restless sleep.

Bruxism almost always provokes abrasion of the enamel, which, in turn, leads to increased sensitivity of the teeth: they begin to react to too hot, too cold, as well as sweet and sour foods. A visit to the dentist will help to detect odonterism in time and take measures to eliminate it.

Causes

When treating grinding, it is very important to establish the true cause of this phenomenon. All reasons can be combined into 6 groups. Depending on the area in which the roots of the problem lie, a person may need to consult a specific specialist.

Psychology. In approximately 70% of cases, involuntary contraction of the masticatory muscles is a reaction to a person’s internal experiences. Bruxism mainly affects people experiencing psychological discomfort, nervous tension, stress or serious emotional stress. Teeth grinding is one of the companions of depression, so if you suspect bruxism, you must first check the person’s psycho-emotional state.

Since the occurrence of teeth grinding is most often provoked by psychological factors, bruxism is called a disease of businessmen - people under constant stress.
Neurology. Bruxism may affect people with neurological problems: tremor, epilepsy, enuresis, apnea, various sleep disorders. In addition, grinding appears in response to damage to the trigeminal nerve: the masticatory muscles involuntarily become toned, and the person ceases to control this process.
Dentistry. It happens that creaking becomes a reaction to dental abnormalities. In adults, this phenomenon can be caused by dental anomalies, poorly fitted dentures and braces, malocclusion, poorly placed fillings, as well as diseases of the jaw joint.
Grinding teeth are often caused by incorrectly selected braces.
Gastroenterology. Grinding of teeth can also occur as a consequence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. IN in rare cases Bruxism is caused by poor nutrition, excessive consumption caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. This problem can haunt people who abuse sleeping pills and antidepressants.
Otolaryngology. Being a frequent companion to snoring, bruxism can be triggered by the same reason: difficult nasal breathing caused by a deviated nasal septum, enlarged adenoids, allergies or chronic runny nose.
Osteopathy. According to osteopathic science, teeth grinding is nothing more than the body’s desire to restore normal craniosacral rhythm. In adults, this problem often occurs due to problems with the spine, unsuccessful dental prosthetics and a host of other reasons.

A good osteopath can help get rid of bruxism

In addition, at risk:

patients with Huntington's chorea;
persons with brain injuries or organ tumors;
people suffering from Parkinson's disease;
men with a genetic predisposition to bruxism.

Whatever the cause of bruxism, it is important to promptly identify the problem and take measures to eliminate it.

Does bruxism need to be treated?

It may seem that bruxism is not such a serious problem. However, if nothing is done, a number of dental problems may arise:

the appearance of cracks in the enamel;
the occurrence of foci of caries;
abrasion of teeth;
If bruxism is not treated, teeth wear away very quickly.
change in the shape and size of the crown part of the teeth;
destruction of fillings and crowns;
loosening and loss of teeth;
taste of blood in the mouth;
gum damage;
formation of mouth ulcers;
the appearance of an abnormal bite;
diseases of the temporomandibular joints.

In addition to dental problems, people suffering from bruxism may develop constant psychological discomfort. They begin to feel like a nuisance, they develop an inferiority complex, and become increasingly withdrawn and irritable. And if you add to this rapid fatigue, constant headaches and spasms of the facial muscles, which are often accompanying bruxism, then a person may well fall into depression. Diagnostics

Teeth grinding, especially if it occurs infrequently, is not a reason to be treated for bruxism. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis, and you should start with a visit to the dentist. Based on the condition of the coronal part, the specialist will immediately recognize the incipient Carolini phenomenon, and to confirm his suspicions he can use a bruxchecker. This is a special mouth guard that is inserted into your mouth at night. Based on the nature of its damage, it is easy to determine which teeth bear the maximum load at night.

Electromyography is the main method for diagnosing bruxism

The next specialist you should visit if you suspect bruxism is a neurologist. If necessary, he will refer the patient for electromyography (EMG), a method that allows you to determine how well the chewing muscles are working by measuring their electrical activity.

A dentist can also refer you for an EMG, but it is better to visit a neurologist to rule out pathologies in this area.

If there are no problems with neurology, it is worth visiting a psychologist, otolaryngologist, gastroenterologist and osteopath.

Treatment

After the final diagnosis, you need to immediately proceed to treatment. If teeth grinding is caused by dental problems, treatment will be quick and will take place in the dentist's office.

Attention! Dental procedures for the restoration of teeth destroyed by attacks of bruxism should be carried out only after eliminating the main cause causing this condition.

Cure respiratory or respiratory pathology auditory pathways It’s already more difficult, as well as solving problems of neurology and the gastrointestinal tract. It will take the longest to eliminate the psychological causes of bruxism.

Be prepared for the fact that you will have to learn to relax (both the nervous system in general and the chewing muscles in particular). This can be achieved different methods, and it is advisable to use them in combination.

The following relaxation techniques help with bruxism:

Yoga and meditation. Almost all meditation techniques are a great way to relax and relieve stress. You can master yoga on your own, but it is better if an experienced instructor talks about its intricacies, and classes take place in groups.
Breathing exercises. The simplest breathing exercises help relieve stress: take a deep breath through your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds, and exhale for a long time through your mouth.
Physical exercise. Physical activity helps relieve nervous tension and stimulates the production of “happiness hormones” - endorphins.
Massage. You can relax your jaw and chin with self-massage. Grasp your lower jaw with your palms and make light circular movements with your fingers.
Relaxing baths. It is a good idea for people suffering from bruxism to get into the habit of taking a warm, relaxing bath before bed. For greater effect, you can use a variety of additives: sea salt, essential oils (lavender, sandalwood, valerian), herbal infusions, oat straw, pine extract, etc.
Compresses. You can relieve tension from the jaw using a warm, damp compress. Wet a napkin in warm water, wring it out and apply it to the problem area - this will soothe the pain and relax the muscles.
Special exercises. A good effect can be achieved if you regularly do exercises to relax the muscles of the jaws and chin:
1. Open your jaws and place your tongue on the upper palate. This exercise is very useful to do before bed.
2. Press your chin with your fingers, pushing it back, open your mouth slightly and forcefully close it. The lower jaw should be relaxed. This exercise should be repeated 15 times in the morning, at lunch and before bed.

Yoga and meditation practices are a great way to relieve stress, which causes bruxism.

In parallel with relieving stress, do not forget to take care of your teeth. It is impossible to cure bruxism in one day, and each attack has a negative impact on enamel and gums.

To protect teeth from destruction, the dentist can select a special device. Most often used:

mouth guards for bruxism;
night or day tires;
trainers;
pads with a spring that extend the lower jaw.

Individual mouthguards are used to prevent tooth deformation

All these devices protect teeth, but they do not cure bruxism. If the grinding is caused by a psycho-emotional state, the doctor may prescribe:

taking sedatives medicines(Persen, Novo-Passit);
Botox injections;
psychotherapy sessions;
hypnosis.

Prevention

Having gotten rid of attacks of bruxism, do not forget about the prevention of this condition. Adhere to the following rules:

Make sure your teeth are not clenched during the day.
Try to exercise.
Get outdoors and walk more often.
Instead of strong tea and coffee, drink herbal infusions from mint, lemon balm, linden, valerian, hops, chamomile, calendula, etc.
Adjust your diet: minimize sweets and fast food, increase the amount of raw vegetables and fruits.
Adhere to a gentle daily routine: get plenty of rest, go to bed on time, and don’t overload yourself with overwhelming work.
Don't eat before bed.
Additionally, consume B vitamins, as well as calcium and magnesium supplements. However, this should be done after consultation with a doctor and the necessary tests.
Avoid stress.

There is a theory that if you allow your jaws to become tired during the day, the number of nighttime bruxism attacks will be minimal. Therefore, nutritionists recommend chewing hard carrots, apples and nuts more often.

Following these simple rules will help you forever forget about bruxism, which is so destructive to teeth and annoying for loved ones.

What to do if you grind your teeth at night - video

The seemingly innocent grinding of teeth causes a lot of inconvenience to both people suffering from bruxism and their immediate environment. Therefore, at the first signs of this condition, it is advisable to visit the necessary specialists, establish the true cause and begin treatment.

Medicine for me is not a profession, but a favorite hobby. I communicate with doctors, read a lot, and educate myself, so I consider myself quite competent in this area. Rate this article:

A person simply does not notice most habits in himself, but he is often angry at similar manifestations in other people.

One of these unpleasant moments is involuntary grinding of teeth, which in medical terminology is called bruxism.

About the violation seriously

Bruxism in adults and children is a condition of involuntary clenching of teeth, resulting in grinding.

This may be a consequence of certain processes in the body or a harmful addiction, which is noted much more often. This habit does not pose a serious health hazard, but it does create some problems.

This uncontrollable grinding of teeth intensifies at night when a person is sleeping, which puts extra stress on the temporomandibular joint.

The consequence of creaking is also damage to the enamel, loosening and abrasion of teeth, a negative impact on the facial muscles, joints, and the emotional state of the person himself and his loved ones, for whom grinding prevents them from resting.

The disease is more common in children, but age and gender do not play a role in this issue.

Some interesting statistics

According to statistics, bruxism most often affects children under the age of 7 years - 30-50% (usually by the age of 7 in children the problem disappears on its own), while in adults the same figure is only 10-15% of the entire population .

But it is also assumed that bruxism is much more common in adults, so the statistics are inaccurate. Lonely people grinding their teeth are not even aware of their condition because they have no one to tell about it.

At daytime form violations, the person himself notices its manifestations and tries to control his condition.

Nature of the disease

According to some scientists, bruxism is a sleep disorder, like somnambulism (sleepwalking), enuresis, snoring, nightmares and apnea (stopping breathing during sleep).

This assumption has not been officially confirmed, because this phenomenon has not been fully studied. There are suggestions that teeth grinding at night is a response to involuntary activity during sleep, when a person talks in a dream, experiences hallucinations, and is between sleep and wakefulness.

It is known for sure that bruxism occurs in aggressive people who are trying to suppress anger, as well as in citizens prone to stress and emotional stress, which often leads to work activity. In any case, grinding your teeth at night can lead to serious consequences.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding is not an independent disease. It only indicates psychological or physiological disorders in the body.

If bruxism is detected in an adult, then before starting treatment, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination to find the cause that provoked the presented pathology.

Physical reasons include:

malocclusion;
missing or supernumerary teeth;
abnormal structure of the temporomandibular joint;
Parkinson's or Gettington's disease;
epilepsy;
difficult getting used to the prosthesis or braces;
poor quality fillings.

Psychological causes of bruxism include:

uncontrolled nervous excitability;
protracted stressful situation(passing exams, waiting, family difficulties);
drugs, withdrawal syndrome due to nicotine or alcohol addiction.

Stress is a common cause of teeth grinding. 70% of all identified cases are the consequences of nervous tension and frequent worries. The most sensitive and emotional people are more likely to develop this problem.

Lifestyle can also influence the formation of a “bad habit”: alcoholism and smoking, excessive use of antidepressants, consumption of caffeine in large doses.

All this provokes stimulation of the cerebral cortex during night sleep. A person suffers from insomnia, which increases the risk of bruxism.

What is the danger

Delayed treatment entails harmless consequences:

First of all, a patient who grinds his teeth all night feels pain in the maxillofacial area because the muscles and joints of the face are in constant voltage and this causes pain.
In addition, from the constant grinding, the chewing surface of the teeth wears off, they become loose and become sensitive, while the gums become inflamed and the aesthetic appearance of the teeth deteriorates.
Bruxism radiates pain to the ears, maxillary sinuses , the patient wakes up with a headache in the morning, hearing gradually begins to deteriorate, and facial asymmetry slowly develops.
Human insomnia begins to torment, nervousness, irritability, overexertion and even depression appear.

If the disorder suddenly appears in an older person, then you should undergo an examination, because teeth grinding may indicate epilepsy.

In addition, a person cannot sleep in the same room with someone; it is difficult for him to build a family life. Several cases of divorce have been officially recorded precisely because of teeth grinding while sleeping.

How to identify the problem yourself?

A person suffering from bruxism may not know for a long time that he grinds his teeth in his sleep. He should be alerted to the following accompanying symptoms:

pain in the morning in the head, neck, back, temporomandibular joints, shoulders;
pain in the ears and maxillary sinuses;
dizziness and ringing in the ears;
insomnia and restless sleep;
daytime sleepiness;
frequent stress and depression.

These signs also indicate other diseases, but it is worth paying attention to the condition of the teeth. If they are worn out, dentures are damaged, or the bite has changed, then there is a possibility of bruxism and you should consult a specialist.

Therapy - a full range of measures

Treatment of bruxism is divided into two stages: dental and psychological, because the cause of grinding lies in the psychological state of the patient, and the dental stage is needed to prevent consequences for the teeth.

Treatment can be started independently, where the compression of the upper and lower jaw should be controlled. They should not touch, thus reducing tooth friction.

Dental stage

Several times a day you should relax your muscles: spread your jaws, while pursing your lips. Stay in this position for several minutes. If teeth grinding occurs during sleep, then such exercises should be performed before bed.

You can control bruxism during the day by doing some exercises for your chin:

position your head straight;
relax your jaw and open your mouth;
gently move your chin back;
do the exercise in front of a mirror to control the correct position of the upper and lower jaw;
repeat the exercise 15 times for quick and desired result At least 3 sessions per day should be performed - this exercise will help correct the bite and relax the temporomandibular joint.

Psychological stage

Psychological treatment of bruxism consists of relieving stress in the patient. Daily deep breathing will help you get rid of psychological stress: inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.

In addition, it is necessary to exercise the patient physically, because physical exercise will help not only relieve nervous tension and stress, but also produce endorphins. It's good to do yoga - it relaxes the whole body and muscles, including the facial ones.

Conservative and traditional medicine

Drug treatment involves reducing the activity of the masticatory muscles. Here they resort to the use of sedatives and sleeping pills, magnesium and calcium, B vitamins, Botox injections.

Among the folk remedies for bruxism, a warm compress in the area of the temporomandibular joint helps - the heat relieves spasm and prevents the jaw from clenching. Before going to bed, you should also chew carrots or chewing gum so that your muscles get a workout and don’t contract at night.

To prevent tooth wear, breakage and dentures, you can use orthodontic mouthguards - these are overlays on the teeth to prevent the jaws from touching.

For preventive purposes, you should normalize your psycho-emotional state, learn self-massage and relaxation techniques, and get rid of bad habits. This is the only way to prevent the development of a problem that has a destructive effect on a wonderful smile.