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8 de March de 2024Bruxism is a common but often misunderstood disorder that increasingly affects people worldwide. If you’re wondering, “What is bruxism?” and are seeking answers, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll delve into the 5 essential keys to understanding this disorder, from its potential causes to the available treatments.
1. Defining Bruxism, What Is It?
Bruxism refers to the involuntary habit of grinding or clenching teeth, usually during the night but it can occur throughout the day even when awake. This disorder can have negative consequences for dental and overall health. In the long run, it can lead to more severe problems.
The consequences of bruxism go beyond dental wear, which is one of the most obvious outcomes. Individuals with bruxism may experience pain in the jaw, neck, and head, with the pain possibly radiating to the ear area.
Moreover, bruxism can be chronic and trigger recurrent headaches, escalating to migraines in some cases. The pressure on the jaw muscles, from teeth grinding, can cause issues in the temporomandibular joints, manifesting as pain and difficulty in opening and closing the mouth, clicking while chewing, or even temporary jaw locking.
2. Causes of Bruxism
The next step in understanding bruxism is knowing its causes. Factors such as stress, anxiety, poor dental alignment, and genetic factors can contribute to the development of this disorder. Exploring these causes is crucial to addressing the problem, which is why it’s important to consult a specialist. At our dental clinic, the first visit is free and non-binding, allowing you to come for an examination and assessment to address your bruxism issue.
3. Treatments for Bruxism
To combat bruxism, there are various treatment options and approaches. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and cause of the disorder, making it important to evaluate each case individually. Options range from behavioral or physiotherapeutic therapies to more innovative resources such as facial yoga for bruxism or even Botox. Among all alternatives to alleviate symptoms, there is one that is essential: the occlusal splint.
4. The Occlusal Splint
The occlusal splint is a crucial tool in bruxism treatment. It not only prevents dental wear but is also crucial for maintaining other dental treatments, such as dental veneers, dental crowns, or even implants, which could be affected by constant pressure when grinding teeth. Therefore, at Vila Dental, we advise that after each treatment, it is checked whether the patient suffers from bruxism to create an occlusal splint and thus maintain the functionality of the treatments already performed.
It’s important to note that buying a generic splint at the pharmacy or another type of store will not provide the proper benefits. A personalized splint, like the one we offer at Vila Dental, fits the patient’s mouth perfectly and prevents the problem accurately and personally. Therefore, a personalized splint is also much more comfortable than a generic one.
5. Botox for Bruxism
Some people consider Botox as an option against bruxism, but it should be noted that Botox provides temporary relief for approximately 6 months to a year, so the treatment must be repeated as necessary. Furthermore, for greater effectiveness and durability, it is advisable to use an occlusal splint, combining both treatments so that Botox is more lasting and effective. Therefore, at Vila Dental, we always recommend first visiting our dental clinic to perform, before any other alternative treatment, the occlusal splint to assess the improvement of the disorder.
In summary, understanding what bruxism is involves knowing its symptoms and identifying its possible causes. It’s important to note that often the patient is not aware of having bruxism, as it mostly occurs while they are asleep. That’s why routine dental check-ups are crucial to detect this disorder early. Addressing bruxism early can prevent long-term complications and improve sleep quality and overall life.
Whether you opt for behavioral therapies, physiotherapeutic treatments, or more innovative approaches, we always recommend accompanying any of them with an occlusal splint. At Vila Dental, we are committed to offering personalized and effective solutions for bruxism and other issues related to oral health.
