A Case of Bruxism
Article Source: HealthSnare.com
Are you feeling unexplainable toothaches, earaches or jaw pain? Are you finding that your teeth are chipped and damaged, and you're not sure why? Is your partner keeping you awake with the sound of grinding? If any of these issues relate to you then you will almost certainly be dealing with Bruxism or, in common terms, tooth grinding.
It is a condition that affects eight percent of all people in the United Kingdom and some people may not even be aware that they are suffering from it. Bruxism is split into daylight and nocturnal categories, and the clenching and grinding of teeth can lead to headaches, tooth loss and even serious problems with the jaw. If left untreated and unchecked, Bruxism can even have secondary affects such as eating disorders.
Although it can affect people of all ages differently there are a number of common causes Bruxism, including:
• Anxiety disorders and stress - The inability to relax will increase the possibility of teeth grinding.
• Certain medications - side effects of particular medications can include Bruxism
• Sleeping Problems - Sleep apnea, insomnia and irregular sleeping patterns can increase the development of Bruxism.
• Aggressive personalities - those partaking in aggressive activities and sports, or those who have anger control issues, are more inclined to suffer from Bruxism.
• Existing medical conditions - Conditions such as Parkinson's disease cause Bruxism as an unavoidable side effect.
Due to the condition being potentially undetectable for a lengthy period of time, especially concerning nocturnal Bruxism, preventing and addressing the issue can be difficult. However, there are a number of ways to avoid the damage to your teeth and prevent grinding in the future:
• Make sure you get plenty of sleep, in regular patterns.
• Avoid eating hard foodstuffs that can cause extra stress on your teeth, such as nuts.
• Drink plenty of water, as it helps your body to relax.
• Reduce your stress levels by avoiding stressful activities in favour of relaxing massages
Although it is difficult to assess to exact cause of Bruxism for each individual, the symptoms can be treated and relieved through various methods. Therapy can be sought if stress, anger or anxiety is the primary cause of patient's Bruxism. Medication to relax the muscles, as well as massaging the neck and jaw areas will also aid in the relaxation process. An immediate aid for the problem will be a mouth guard to wear at night to stop further damage and in some cases dental treatment may be the last feasible option. Everyone is different, so it's best to find the option suitable for you.
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Dave Buddy
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Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2010 Time: 1:06 AM
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