Although teeth grinding is usually seen during sleep, it can also be seen when awake. Teeth grinding, which is found in 2 out of every 5 people in societies, is usually of dental or neurological origin. In patients with teeth grinding, the strength of the muscle contractions that occur with teeth grinding during sleep is higher than during sleep. In addition, the strength of the muscle contractions is higher than during wakefulness. The cause of teeth grinding disease is thought to be genetic.

What are the Causes of Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?

The causes that affect teeth grinding or bruxism are as follows;

• The patient's character structure
• Genetic factors Medications
• Neurological or psychological problems
• Stress and sleep disorders

In addition to these causes, imbalance in the oral tissues, missing or rotten teeth, and faulty prostheses can also be the cause of teeth grinding disease.

As a result of clinical studies, it was found that in patients with sleep bruxism, sleep onset and maintenance disorder, problems in the REM phase of sleep, and a slight increase in daytime sleepiness and deterioration in quality of life have been concluded.

What are the Symptoms of Teeth Clenching, Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?

Damages such as fracture, abrasion, shaking of teeth, gum disease and bone loss are the main symptoms of teeth grinding or bruxism. In addition to these, hot and cold sensitivity, jaw pain and limited movement can also be symptoms of bruxism. At the same time, joint pain, sound or jaw locking, rarely headache, neck pain and triggered migraine attacks can be shown among the symptoms of bruxism as a result of damage to the jaw joint.

How is Bruxism Understood?

Since teeth grinding usually occurs during sleep, patients do not realize that they have this disorder. Bruxism disorder can be diagnosed as a result of an oral, dental and jaw joint examination by a dentist. If the disorder progresses, joint pain can be confused with ear pain and muscle pain with migraine pain. In this case, an alternative diagnosis can be made by an ear, nose and throat specialist or a neurologist.

What is the Treatment of Teeth Clenching and Grinding?

The treatment of bruxism, teeth grinding or clenching varies according to the patient's expectations, the type of bruxism and the severity of the disease. The main treatment methods for teeth grinding or clenching are as follows;

Masseter Botox (jaw botox) Application

In severe teeth grinding cases, botox injections applied to the jaw muscles can prevent the muscles that cause sleep bruxism from becoming paralyzed and teeth grinding. Masseter Botox, which is a very effective method for teeth grinding, should be repeated every 6 months.

Night Plate

A night plate is a transparent appliance that is prepared in a laboratory environment after the dentist measures the teeth of patients with teeth grinding disorder and is usually applied to the upper jaw. Clenching and grinding the teeth during sleep can cause tooth abrasion and tension-type pain in the head and neck muscles. These complaints are reduced with the night plate appliance.

Drug Treatment

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be preferred with the recommendation of the dentist in the elimination of swelling or related to teeth grinding disorder. In some cases, drug therapy may be recommended for muscle relaxation. In this way, the jaw muscles are rested and tension is reduced. This also provides a regression in the symptoms of teeth clenching and grinding.