What is Bruxism and How to Know If You Suffer From It
Bruxism is an unconscious jaw movement that includes clenching, grinding, clicking, and cracking of the teeth during sleep. It is an activity unrelated to normal jaw functions, such as eating or speaking, and serves no purpose other than to make life difficult.
Those of us who suffer from bruxism can detect it through symptoms such as: headaches, pain in the jaw muscles, neck and ear, tooth wear, damage to dental restorations, enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and changes in the bite. Also, many nights you might grind your teeth so loudly it’s frightening. A dentist will easily detect it due to the significant wear caused on the dental pieces.
There are severe cases where bruxism can lead to a Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, but this needs to be diagnosed by a medical professional and requires specific treatment.
Many people suffer from bruxism and aren’t even aware, either because their symptoms are minimal or because it happens only occasionally.
Night Guards: The General Solution
When I was diagnosed with bruxism, one of the first recommendations was to use night guards. I tried hard night guards, although there are flexible ones and those made from different materials. These guards must be worn while sleeping and prevent your teeth from grinding, protecting the enamel, and reducing strain on the jaw muscles.
The good thing is that since I followed the Invisalign treatment to correct my teeth, these night guards also serve as a form of splint.
The problem is that while the guard protected my teeth, it didn’t completely alleviate my headaches, which is what initially prompted my concern.
Other Treatments
I don’t want to bore you, but I also want to mention other options for you to explore:
- NTI (Anterior Contact Inhibition Device): A small piece placed in the splint to change the bite, preventing the back teeth from coming into contact and concentrating pressure on the front teeth.
- Botox: Believe it or not, Botox is also used for this. Injecting Botox into the jaw can relax the muscles and potentially alleviate or stop bruxism.
- L-Tyrosine and Magnesium: These supplements may help reduce the effects of bruxism under certain conditions.
- CBD: Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound from cannabis, is recommended for bruxism due to its anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties.
- Laser therapy in the jaw and cheeks is employed by some dentists, providing a pleasant relaxing sensation.
- Muscle relaxants prescribed by a healthcare professional can work well but may lead to rapid tolerance.
- TMJ massages done by specialized therapists can offer temporary relief.
My Recommendation
Although the night guard, being the primary treatment for bruxism, may not completely save you from headaches, it’s crucial to address the sources of your bruxism. In my case, I found it closely tied to daily stress.
I recommend tackling the root cause of your bruxism, whether that’s stress, caffeine consumption, a diet high in sugar, intestinal parasites, or even subconscious traumas. It’s essential to conduct your research or consult a professional, as the effort will be worth it.