Bruxism: How It Harms Your Teeth While You Sleep and Tips to Prevent It

Bruxism is characterized by unconscious teeth grinding, gnashing, and clenching. It is categorized into awakened bruxism (AB) and sleep bruxism (SB). 

Bruxism often happens during the initial light sleep stages or sleep transition periods in the night. According to this study, around 5-8% of the population suffers from sleep bruxism.

In this blog, our experts at Julita S Patil DDS Inc. based in Concord, California, explain more about bruxism and how you can prevent it.

Risk Factors for Bruxism

Many risk factors are identified to be linked with bruxism such as:

• Anxiety and stress
• Childhood trauma
• Aggressive and hyperactive nature or personality
• Intake of caffeine and alcohol
• Recreational or medicinal drugs like antidepressants or performance-enhancing drugs
• Genetics
• Sleep apnea
• Hyperacidity
• Parkinson's disease
• Dementia
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Bruxism-Associated Complications

Severe bruxism is associated with:

• Extensive damage to your teeth or any restorations
• Frequent headaches
• Persistent facial or jaw aches
• Clicking sound of the jaw or extensive damage to the temporomandibular joints

How to Prevent Bruxism?

The following tips can help you prevent bruxism:

Lifestyle Modifications

Withdrawal from stimulants such as ecstasy and cocaine, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Stress Management

Adopt healthy practices like listening to calm music, meditation, and exercise to reduce stress.

Say Goodbye to Coffee

Although mild, coffee is a stimulant. Therefore, it may worsen bruxism, especially if you drink it in the evening.

Sleep Is a Must

Get proper sleep every night and, if you have snoring issues, consult a physician to find a remedy for it.

Get Help

Ask a loved one if they notice you are making any clicking or grinding sounds during sleep. If it happens, it's time to seek expert help.

Regular Dental Visits

Your dentist in Concord CA can help you identify bruxism by examining your oral cavity.

Approaches to Treat Bruxism

There are no specially designed anti-bruxism therapeutics. You need to make behavioral changes and treat any underlying conditions such as hyperacidity or sleep disorders. 

However, if you are unable to change your habits, you might benefit from the Biofeedback headband. It is a piece of equipment designed to teach you optimal jaw movements to avoid clenching.

To learn more about bruxism and its impact on your oral health contact, contact Julita S Patil DDS Inc. by calling (925) 689-2585 or visiting the office at 2991 Treat Blvd Suite A, Concord, CA 94518.