Information and Resources for Teeth Grinding & Teeth Clenching (Bruxism) Sufferers.According to research conducted by the bruxism association, a whopping 70% of women suffer from teeth grinding, compared to 30% of men! Nobody seems to know why this is the case. Maybe women get stressed more than men?. What do you think?
Acupuncture is thought to be beneficial to some people as a way of reducing stress and dealing with the effects of bruxism.
Many experts link the consumption of alcohol as a trigger for bruxism, especially before going to bed.
Some bruxism sufferers report relief from the condition when taking this sedative.
Research suggests that suppressed anger can trigger bruxism.
Small doses of anti-depressants can sometimes be used as part of a bruxism treatment program.
Dr Carter of the BDHF is reported as saying "Bruxism is certainly not well recognised or treated by the majority of dentists" There are signs that awareness is increasing in the UK, but it is nowhere near that of the USA.
Biofeedback devices are sometimes used to help overcome bruxism. However, they are thought to have limited success.
Also known as dental guard, mouth guard or occlusal splint. One of the most common ways of protecting teeth from bruxism. The most popular guard in the US is the SleepRight dental guard.
Small device, worn at night to identify the occurrence of sleep bruxism. The device can only be used once, but is a low cost alternative to a full sleep study. Available in the UK.
Early stage research suggests that Botox may be a treatment option for bruxism sufferers
The unconscious act of clenching and grinding teeth. Often occurring at night and known as sleep bruxism.
Consumption of caffeine is thought to increase the risk of bruxism
Cocaine users frequently suffer from bruxism, commonly giving rise to pain in the temporo mandibular joint and masticator muscles.
Pain in the jaw or TMJ caused by bruxism can often be misdiagnosed as earache.
Early morning headaches are a common side effect of bruxism.
Hypnotherapy is a well documented approach to dealing with bruxism. It works by inducing a relaxed state of mind and awareness of teeth grinding, followed by suggestions as to how to deal with the underlying causes.
Philosophy to increase awareness of bruxism, to be practiced just before going to bed.
Irregularities in the way that the top and bottom teeth fit together. Some dentists believe that this is the predominant cause of bruxism. However, the number holding this view is reducing. Stress is thought to be the most common cause.
Symptoms associated with this disease include TMJ
Musicians are reported to be more at risk of developing bruxism than the general population. Studies published in the BMJ report that 73% of violinists grind their teeth.
Several reports make the connection between bruxism and PTSD.
Regarded by most experts as the most common cause of bruxism.
Temporo Mandibular Joint
Vitamin impairment reported, as a consequence of bruxism, but the exact mechanism by which this occurs is unclear.
Nearly half of bruxism sufferers who responded to the question in a recent national survey said that they diagnosed themselves rather than find out they had bruxism from a dentist or doctor.