Bruxism
Bruxism is grinding of the teeth.
This is an oral para-functional activity observed in most people to some degree. Bruxism affects a great portion of adults and estimates span from 50 to 95% Bruxism includes clenching and/or grinding of the teeth. Bruxism is caused by the activation of reflex chewing activity; it is not a learned habit. Chewing is a complex neuromuscular activity that is controlled by reflex nerve pathways with higher control by the brain. During sleep, the reflex part is active, while the brain control is inactive. The result is an abnormal chewing action known as bruxism. Some dentists believe it is due to a lack of symmetry in the teeth; others, that it reflects anxiety, digestive problems or a disturbed sleep pattern,
Bruxism causes chip in the teeth, wear of the biting surface, abfractions and cracks in the teeth. This type of dental damage is diagnosed as occlusal disease.
Often, bruxism occurs during sleep; even during short naps. In a typical case, the canines and incisors are commonly moved against each other laterally, i.e. with a side to side action. This abrades tooth enamel, removing the sharp biting surfaces and flattening the edges of the teeth. Sometimes, there is a tendency to grind the molars together, which can be loud enough to wake a sleeping partner. Some will clench without significant side to side jaw movement. Bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders: thirty to forty million Americans grind their teeth on a nightly basis. Given enough time, dental damage will usually occur. Bruxism is the number one cause of occlusal disease and a significant cause of tooth loss.
Over time, bruxing shortens and blunts the teeth being ground, and may lead to pain in the joint of the jaw, the temporomandibular joint, or headache. Most people are not aware of their bruxism and only five to ten percent will develop symptoms such as jaw pain and headache. Teeth hollowed by previous decay (caries) may collapse; the pressure exerted by bruxism on the teeth is extraordinarily high.
A recently introduced device called the BiteStrip enables at-home overnight testing for Sleep Bruxism and might help diagnose bruxism before damage appears on the teeth. The device is a miniature electromyograph machine that senses jaw muscle activity while the patient sleeps. A dentist can establish the frequency of bruxing, which helps in choosing a treatment plan. Anyone having major occlusal rehabilitation should be aware that bruxism can and does ruin dental work.
The effects of the condition may be quite advanced before sufferers are aware they brux. Abraded teeth may be brought to the patient's attention during a routine dental examination. If enough enamel is abraded, the softer dentine will be exposed, and abrasion will accelerate. This opens the possibility of dental decay and tooth fracture, and in some people, gum recession. Early intervention by a dentist is advisable.