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BRUXISM AND PARAFUNCTIONAL HABITS

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism refers to the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, which can occur both during the day and, more commonly, at night. This condition may place excessive pressure on the teeth, jaws, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), potentially leading to various complications.

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Symptoms of Bruxism

The effects of bruxism can vary significantly from person to person. Not everyone with bruxism will experience noticeable symptoms, and the severity may differ. Common symptoms include:

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  • Teeth Grinding Sounds: Often heard as grinding noises, particularly at night, which may be noticed by a bed partner.

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  • Jaw Pain: Some individuals may experience discomfort or soreness in the jaw muscles or TMJ, while others may have no pain.

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  • Tooth Wear: Enamel attrition or flattened teeth surfaces may develop due to persistent grinding, though not everyone will show visible wear.

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  • Headaches: Frequent tension-type headaches or migraine may be linked to bruxism for some individuals, but not everyone with bruxism will experience headache.

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  • Facial Pain: Aching or tenderness in the facial area may occur, but this is not universal among those with bruxism.

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  • Tooth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli might be a sign of enamel wear, although some individuals may not notice this sensitivity.

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Causes of Bruxism

Bruxism can be influenced by various factors, and not all individuals will experience the same causes:

  • Stress and Anxiety: High levels of emotional stress or anxiety are common triggers for bruxism, particularly during sleep.

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  • Sleep Disorders: While bruxism can be associated with sleep disorders like sleep apnea, not everyone with bruxism has this condition. Some people with sleep apnea may experience increased grinding. Thus, it is essential to screen all individuals with bruxism for sleep related breathing disorders.

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  • Medications: Certain medications, especially those affecting the central nervous system, can contribute to bruxism, although this is not the case for everyone.

 

Parafunctional Habits: More Than Just Teeth Grinding
 

What are Parafunctional Habits?

Parafunctional habits involve repetitive behaviors that use the teeth or jaws outside of their normal functions, such as chewing or speaking. These habits can strain the TMJ and surrounding muscles, potentially leading to discomfort and other issues.

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Common Parafunctional Habits

Typical parafunctional habits include:

  • Nail Biting: Habitual nail biting can place excessive pressure on the teeth and jaws.

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  • Cuticle Biting: Biting or picking at cuticles can lead to jaw strain and contribute to TMJ problems.

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  • Chewing Non-Food Objects: Chewing on pens, pencils, or other non-food items can stress the teeth and jaw.

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  • Jaw Clenching: Frequent clenching of the jaw, often due to stress or concentration, can strain the TMJ and associated muscles.

 

Impact of Parafunctional Habits

Parafunctional habits can affect TMJ health by:

  • Increasing Muscle Tension: Persistent use and clenching of the jaw can lead to muscle strain and pain, though not everyone will experience these symptoms.

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  • Contributing to TMJ Disorder: Abnormal or excessive use of the jaw can disrupt normal TMJ function, potentially leading to disorders.

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  • Accelerating Tooth Wear: Non-functional teeth contact can cause accelerated wear and tear, but this may not be apparent in every individual.

 

Managing Bruxism and Parafunctional Habits

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Effective management of the side effects of bruxism and parafunctional habits often involves a multifaceted approach:

  • Stress Management: Employing techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and therapy to help alleviate stress if it is a contributing factor.

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  • Lifestyle Modifications: Becoming aware of and modifying diurnal habits like nail biting or teeth clenching. Additionally, if medications are exacerbating or contributing to bruxism, medication management may be indicated.

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  • Occlusal orthotics: Utilizing custom occlusal orthotics to protect the teeth, stabilize the TMJ and treat and manage muscle tension and pain during sleep.

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  • Physical Therapy: Engaging in exercises and therapies designed to relieve muscle tension and improve jaw function.

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  • Botox Injections: Botox can be used to relax the muscles responsible for bruxism, providing relief from muscle tension and reducing grinding activity.

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  • Sleep hygiene: If a sleep related breathing disorder is a contributing factor to bruxism, diagnosing and treating this disorder may help with reducing the intensity and severity of the bruxism. It may also help with the pain associated with bruxism.​

 

Understanding and addressing bruxism and parafunctional habits is essential for maintaining optimal dental and jaw health and for minimizing the risk of TMJ-related issues.

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