Sleep Bruxism: Stopping the Sleep Disorder

People feel ashamed of grinding their teeth at night as it creates more stress for them, their family member, or their partner. What’s even worse is that sleep bruxism is more common since, at night, the body is more relaxed and unconscious of activities. There are major repercussions for the disorder if there are no medical actions for it. This problem happens not just to adults, but also is common for children as well. There are various reasons that cause the sleeping issue. If you are feeling tired because of teeth grinding and apnea at night, check out some of these tips to inform you on what exactly is happening.

Why Does Sleep Bruxism Happen?

Bruxism (also called Teeth Grinding) is a form of unconscious gnashing, grinding, or clenching of teeth. Most studies suggest that teeth grinding is related to high levels of emotional concerns. These are anger, anxiety, sleep, or frustration. Others say it is formed through a habit or another symptom of related health illness. Symptoms of a sleep disorder include major headaches or increased tooth sensitivity. Jaw problems are also seen in this sleep disorder. In particular, jaw joint disorders, damaged teeth conditions, as well as disrupted relationships are all real consequences of sleep bruxism.

Treatments For Sleep Bruxism

There are many preventions or treatments for bruxism when sleeping. For young children, they usually outgrow the problem normally. However, in many cases as well, young children and adults need medical treatments or physical therapy to cope with the situation. Conversely, results are not imminent so constant patience and understanding are needed to lessen the stress due to the problem.  

Mouth Guards

These dental products are used for patients to separate the jaw and teeth and avoid automatic grinding issues. It relieves the pressure and creates a barrier physically between these two. A usual mouthguard is made from plastic, or usually called boil and bite. On the other hand, another form of mouthguard is a custom-made dental piece that is made from a dentist’s clinic and fits the patient’s gums and teeth perfectly. Either way, these two should be consulted first with a dentist to see the necessity of inserting one on your mouth.

Dental Procedures

Sleep bruxism is usually connected to a dental condition. If you visit your dentist for your concern, a dentist is able to diagnose the problem. As serious as it is needed, surgery is the option for most dentists to be able to align any jaw or teeth problems related to your teeth grinding.

Medication

Another way to treat this sleeping problem is by prescribed medications that can be bought over-the-counter. Muscle relaxants, anxiety medications or stress relievers are antidepressants that your doctor may recommend for short-term use.   

Consult a Doctor For Further Analysis

Bruxism is often connected to a dentist due to its immediate effects on the gums and teeth. If it’s already a matter of surgical urgency, either your dentist will refer you to a doctor to diagnose the sleep bruxism or you can go to a doctor directly. Prevention by going to a doctor is recommended. Moreover, oral hygiene is still a great way to avoid these problems in the future.