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Without realizing it, there are some people who often grind their teeth while sleeping. This habit is medically known as bruxism. Even bruxism can occur when you are awake, you know!
If allowed to continue, the habit of grinding teeth can seriously affect dental health, requiring special care. Not infrequently, this habit can also cause headaches. So, how do you get rid of the habit of grinding your teeth? Read on to find out.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is abnormal activity in the oral cavity, for example clenching (clenching the teeth in the upper and lower jaw with excessive pressure), grinding (grinding the teeth to the right and left between the upper and lower jaw) or bracing (teeth grinding) which can occur when a person is sleeping (sleep bruxism) or when someone is conscious (awake bruxism).
In many cases, bruxism occurs at night while a person is sleeping. Whereas in some other cases, bruxism can also occur spontaneously when a person is anxious or when experiencing excessive stress.
If you are still experiencing bruxism at an early stage - not a habit that continues, it does not require special treatment. However, if bruxism has become a habit, it is actually possible to have a bigger impact, such as tooth decay, headaches, jaw disorders, and other problems.
Until now, in the medical world it is not certain what causes bruxism. However, people who frequently grind their teeth tend to have sleep disorders such as snoring or breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea). In addition, several physical and psychological factors can also trigger bruxism, including anxiety, stress, tension, uneven tooth arrangement, and an unhealthy lifestyle.
How do you get rid of the habit of grinding your teeth?
In most cases, bruxism does not require special treatment. Children with bruxism can get better on their own without special treatment as they grow. Adults who experience bruxism also do not need certain therapies to cure it.
However, if the problem is serious enough, a person is advised to undergo a series of treatments. That is why, it's a good idea to check with your dentist first. This is done to find out how much damage to the teeth and jaw joints that has occurred. So that the type of treatment will be adjusted to the patient's condition and the cause of the appearance of bruxism.
Here are some ways to get rid of the habit of grinding your teeth, including:
- Usesplint or night guard. That is, a protective device for the teeth in the upper and lower jaws, which was made in the laboratory according to the size of the patient's teeth. Materials commonly used are acrylic, co-polyester, or polyurethane.
- Dental correction. In severe cases, such as the position of the teeth that is not right so that it causes the inability to chew food properly, the doctor will repair the surface of your teeth by performing braces or oral surgery.
- Do therapy. If you grind your teeth because of stress, you may be able to prevent the problem by engaging in meditation therapy. However, if you want to change your bad habit of grinding your teeth, you can do behavioral therapy. In addition, therapy biofeedback can also be a way to get rid of the habit of grinding your teeth by controlling or controlling muscle activity in your jaw.
- Treatment using drugs. In certain cases, your doctor may recommend that you take short-term antidepressants and muscle relaxants before bed. However, if the bruxism you are experiencing is in a chronic stage and cannot be treated with various other treatment methods, doctors usually recommend that you do botox injections.
- Self-medication. Apart from seeing a doctor and conducting counseling, you can basically get rid of the habit of grinding your teeth at home by reducing stress. Not only that, if you have a habit of drinking alcohol, smoking, or drinking excessive coffee, it should be reduced or eliminated.
