Bruxism - A Painful Ordeal

Bruxism - A Painful Ordeal
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Charlene_S] Charlene S

Ever wondered why your teeth or head hurt when you wake up? Or why you have fractured teeth? Do you make weird noises while sleeping? If you suffer from these circumstances, then you probably have a condition known as Bruxism.

What is Bruxism

Bruxism may not be a common word to hear and yet it affects millions of people around the world. It afflicts children and adults and it can be quite serious, depending on how chronic it is. Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching the teeth while one is sleeping or awake. Grinding of the teeth while sleeping is known as "nocturnal bruxism" and it is even observed among babies who are experiencing teething.

Symptoms of bruxism include: pain in the teeth, jaw pains, headaches, fractured teeth, broken dental fillings, early loss of teeth, shaky teeth, inflammation of the gums, ear ache, tight shoulders and muscle pains.

What Causes Bruxism

Bruxism does not have one definite cause. It can be brought about by stress, anxiety or even as a reaction to drugs taken to treat depression. It can also be caused by neurological disorders affecting the muscles and nerves of the face. Typically though, bruxism occurs when the teeth are not aligned or properly positioned, thus leading the person to habitually grind.

How To Treat Bruxism Bruxism cannot be completely cured however treatment methods are extended to relieve the severe symptoms that accompany bruxism. Popular treatment methods are drug therapy, hypnotherapy, occlusal orthotics, psychotherapy, and stress reduction.

Since stress is determined as one factor that causes bruxism, an evaluation of the patient's background should be conducted. Areas in the life of the patient that stress him or her should be discussed to try and manage the symptoms of bruxism. With stress management, the patient will soon find himself able to handle stressful situations better, thereby lessening the chances of having bruxism symptoms surface again.

This article is written by Charlene S. If you are looking for a holistic [http://www.dentistsgrandrapids.net/]Grand Rapids Dentist, visit Dr. Kevin Flood's Dental and Wellness Center for clients in Cascade, Ada, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Caledonia, Wyoming, Bryon Center, Jenison, Rockford, Grandville, Michigan.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Bruxism---A-Painful-Ordeal&id=4993165] Bruxism - A Painful Ordeal