Bruxism is one of the most treated pathologies in current dental clinics. The reason for this is that about 70% of the Spanish population suffers from bruxism to a greater or lesser degree. 

What exactly is bruxism and what causes it?

Bruxism consists specifically of unconsciously clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth, causing them to wear out. 

It generally takes place at night, while sleeping, and has an immediate consequence, such as the wear of the tooth enamel and the teeth themselves, which can lead to the fracture of a piece in some extreme cases. The gums also suffer, as they can become inflamed and cause some teeth to move. 

Furthermore, this dental pathology causes continuous micro-awakenings, which means that they do not rest adequately and the affected person feels tired during the day. 

Consequences of bruxism 

But the consequences of clenching and grinding your teeth during sleep can be even stronger. An example of this is that temporomandibular joint disorders may arise that can cause daytime pain in the head, ears or neck, as well as discomfort when opening the mouth, a clicking sound in the joint, difficulty chewing and, if the problem It is serious, including problems speaking comfortably. In fact, one of the possible consequences of bruxism is inflammation of the muscles in the mandibular area and hypertrophy of the plateau muscles, which are those involved in chewing.

It can also affect tooth enamel, causing the formation of cavities, promoting sensitivity to cold, heat or sweets; and even the possibility of breaking a tooth. It can also lead to dental malocclusion, which would require orthodontic treatment.

One of the main problems derived from nocturnal bruxism is that the person who suffers from it generally does not realize it, especially if we take into account that in many cases there is no apparent medical cause for it to occur.

Solutions against bruxism

The main goal that a specialist has in mind when facing a bruxism problem is to try to avoid persistent tooth damage and minimize friction between the teeth. To treat this problem, the first thing we must do is consult a specialist. Although there are a series of recommendations that can help us combat the problem, although, as we say, always taking into account the opinion of a professional first. 

• Apply ice or moist heat to the jaw muscles to reduce inflammation.
• Avoid excessively hard foods and chewing gum.
• Perform stretching exercises to try to return the muscles to their normal state. 
• Massage the muscles of the face, neck and back. To make this efficient we must make it a habit. Relaxation techniques are a good long-term strategy to combat bruxism, but it is essential to make them a habit for them to be effective.

Dental specialists recommend the use of occlusal splints, also called guards. These are custom designed and serve to protect teeth and prevent wear. This is especially important in the case of nocturnal bruxism, which is the most difficult to control.

A dental splint is a device made of plastic or acrylic resins that serves as a protective cover for the teeth, either partially or completely. In the specific case of bruxism, the dentist designs the guards so that the teeth do not come into contact with each other.