About this topic
Bruxism is a condition when you grind or clench your teeth. This may happen when you sleep or are under stress. Bruxism may happen alone. This is primary bruxism. It may also happen with other conditions like low mood, anxiety, or as a result of drugs. This is secondary bruxism. ‚
There are two types of bruxism: ‚
- Awake bruxism ¢ ˆ ’ When you clench your teeth and jaw while you are awake
- Sleep bruxism ¢ ˆ ’ When you grind your teeth and jaw muscles while you sleep. You may not even know that you do this. Your dentist can see it as teeth become chipped or worn down. Bruxism can cause headaches, jaw pain, tooth pain, and earaches.
This condition can be treated by: ‚
- Wearing a mouth device or bite guard at night to protect your teeth
- Using relaxation methods to lower stress
- Counseling and therapy
What care is needed at home?
- Wear a mouth device or bite guard to help lessen the effects of clenching or grinding your teeth.
- Find ways to help you relax and reduce stress.
- Avoid drinking beverages with caffeine or alcohol in the evening.
- Avoid smoking in the evening.
- Avoid exercising right before bedtime.
- Make your room dark, quiet, and free of anything that will remind you of work or that will increase your stress.
- If you cannot sleep, do not force yourself. Get out of bed and try again later.
- Ask your sleep partner to be aware of any grinding or clicking sounds that you might make while sleeping.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Make regular visits with your dentist. Your dentist will watch your teeth to make sure you are not damaging them.
- Your doctor may suggest that you see a counselor or therapist.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Relieve tooth and jaw pain
- Relax the jaw muscles
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activities will not be limited. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Teeth get worn down, break, or chip
- The joint at the jaw becomes inflamed from the muscle activity
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Often have headaches
- Chronic pain that will not go away
- Bite guard is broken, lost, or damaged
Helpful tips
To lower pain caused by bruxism: ‚
- Eat soft foods to lessen the pain in your jaw.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over painful part of jaw. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Avoid intense movements of your jaw like wide yawning, loud singing, and gum chewing.
- Practice gentle jaw stretching and relaxing methods to increase jaw movement.
- Keep your teeth slightly apart to avoid stress on your jaw.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have headaches, pain, or lose my bite guard.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/teeth/bruxism.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
The Bruxism Association ‚
http://www.bruxism.org.uk/what-is-bruxism.php ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚