Bruxism

Understanding
Bruxism or tooth abrasion is a condition when a person has a habit of gearing his teeth up and down. This action can be done during daily activities or during sleep at night (sleep bruxism).

Sleep bruxism is classified as a sleep disorder. Sleep bruxism patients usually also have problems in sleep, such as snoring or sleep apnea.

To prevent bruxism, you can do the following:

• Avoid the habit of biting hard objects 
• Avoid brushing your teeth too hard 
• Avoid excessive stress 
• Reduce drinking alcohol and caffeine 
• Etc

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of bruxism is done through medical interviews and physical examination. In the interview, the doctor will ask questions about general dental health, medicine, your daily routine, and sleeping habits.

To see the extent of your bruxism, your doctor will check your jaw muscles as well as tooth abnormalities and tooth decay. If your doctor suspects bruxism is associated with psychological problems or sleep disorders, you may be referred to a therapist, counselor, or sleep specialist.

Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of bruxism are as follows:

• Grips the teeth aloud until it sounds
• Teeth look flat, cracked, or loose
• Teeth become sensitive
• Jaw or face pain
• The muscles of the jaw feel sore and tense
• Headache
• Appears the indentations on the tongue 

Treatment
In most cases, bruxism does not require special care. However, if it is severe, you need to get treatment.

This type of bruxism treatment depends on the cause. For example, if the tooth is loose, you need a mouth guard and splint (wire). If caused by stress, then you are required to do stress management and behavioral therapy. Drugs can also be given, but their effectiveness is still unproven. 

Cause
The exact cause of bruxism is not known for certain. The possibilities can be triggered by physical and psychological things, such as:

• Emotions, such as stress, anxiety, anger, frustration
• Personality is aggressive, competitive, and hyperactive
• Abnormal upper and lower posterior teeth positions
• Sleep disturbance
• Acid reflux reflux to the esophagus
• Side effects of psychiatric drugs
• As a result of other disease complications, such as Huntington or Parkinson's 

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