Posted on June 26, 2022.

Bruxism is when the jaw and facial muscles move in ways that don't help. These movements often happen while sleeping, like clenching or grinding the teeth. It can even occur when one isn't asleep if the brain misfires; this form of bruxism is known as awake bruxism. Studies have identified two specific types based on EMG recordings: cyclical side-to-side motion and prolonged contractions lasting up to 5 minutes.

Bruxism can cause pain in the temporalis and masseter muscles on both sides of the face, among other things. Temporomandibular joint pain is a common side effect, as is having trouble opening your mouth when you wake up because your jaw is locked or stuck. Even though people with bruxism don't usually notice it when they're sleeping, it's generally at its worst during stage II sleep, which is an arousal phase with a higher heart rate and faster breathing. People with bruxism wake up from these episodes with pain in their jaws and sometimes headaches.

With no practical way to measure bruxism, the prevalence of this chronic condition is still a mystery. However, reports from family members and physical examinations indicate that anywhere between 5 and 37 percent of people are affected. Surprisingly, many sufferers don't experience significant tooth loss despite jaw clenching with immense force during sleep.

There is still much to be understood about the cause of bruxism. Still, research shows that a change in our neuromotor system may cause it as we move from deep to light sleep. Stress also plays a role. Living under a lot of pressure can make you feel more anxious, making you more likely to get this painful disorder.

Ways to Treat Bruxism

1. Behavioral Methods

Many people have bruxism, but it has many causes, so reducing risk factors is the best way to deal with it. Traditional treatments often focus on behavioral methods such as biofeedback therapy, which promotes changes in behaviors like balance for those living with Parkinson's. Despite its potential benefits, there still needs to be a definitive answer as to whether or not this kind of treatment reduces bruxism symptoms.

2. Occlusal Device

To protect teeth from sleep bruxism, a full archway occlusal appliance with physical characteristics and a balanced contact design should be created for nighttime wear—the most effective plan to combat this habit.

3. Pharmaceuticals

For people with severe cases of sleep bruxism, drugs like clonazepam and tiagabine (GabitrilTM) can slow down the movement of the muscles. Also, pergolide, a dopamine modulator at a low dose, and dopamine ligands with varying strengths have been shown to help treat the disorder.

4.Type A Botulinum Neurotoxin (BoNT-A)

People with severe bruxism can get botulinum neurotoxin type A injections to stop grinding their teeth. Even though most research is based on case reports of mostly unconscious patients, BoNT-A has been successful when injected into the masseter and temporalis muscles, usually between 60 and 65 units per side. However, dysphagia may remain a potential complication. Even though medicine usually only gives temporary relief from bruxism symptoms, behavioral approaches should also be talked about with a doctor for a better outcome overall.

5. Reduced Stimulus

Counterstimulation therapies are an effective method for reducing bruxism episodes. By delivering a small electrical impulse, clenching of the lip, medial, and temporalis muscles can effectively be minimized – offering relief from persistent grinding and jaw pain.

6. Mouthguards and splints

A custom-made mouthguard may offer much-needed relief if you suffer from bruxism or jaw tightness. Off-the-shelf options are available for those who prefer a more accessible and affordable option, but be aware that they tend to feel less comfortable than their customized counterparts. Customized mouthguards fit perfectly over your teeth and come in different thicknesses depending on how sensitive you might be while sleeping, so think carefully before making a decision!

7. Biofeedback

Biofeedback offers an innovative approach to reducing unwanted jaw motions during the day and night. Using visual, auditory, or vibratory signals from EMG readings, a therapist will help you gain control over your bruxism symptoms. Researchers have found that biofeedback techniques can help people grind their teeth temporarily, but more research needs to be done before we can say how well they work in the long run.

8. Stress Reduction Techniques

Grinding your teeth can indicate underlying mental health issues, such as stress and depression. New research suggests that bruxism may connect to these illnesses, so if you're grinding away at night or during times of tension, it might not just be bad for your pearly whites! Techniques for reducing stress are a great way to deal with the problem, improving overall health by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects.

• Meditation: Dive into the calming depths of meditation to experience improved wellness. Enhance your physical and mental health with a mindful practice tailored to suit you. With dedication and effort, unleash its remarkable potential for reducing stress, anxiety, pain, or despair - all from the comfort of home.
• Yoga: Hatha yoga may possess antidepressant properties, according to a study of 20 people. Results showed that participants who practiced two 90-minute sessions each week for eight weeks found significant relief from mild to severe melancholy. Although encouraging, more extensive research is called for to accurately explore the potential benefits of this ancient practice.

In conclusion

There are different ways to treat bruxism that deal with both the physical and mental parts of this disorder. When you're trying to stop grinding your teeth, you might want to try drugs, making changes to your lifestyle, mouthguards and splints, biofeedback, and techniques for reducing stress. To make sure you get the best possible result, talk to your doctor or dentist about making a complete treatment plan. With the right care, you can enjoy relief from bruxism in no time!