What is Bruxism? What are its ill effects on periodontium?
Bruxism is the abnormal habit of grinding, clenching, and bracing of teeth seen usually at night while sleeping but can be observed during daytime as well.
Causes of Bruxism: Several factors have been attributed to bruxism. Some are
Stress and anxiety
Defective occlusion or Improper contacts of teeth due to missing or rotated teeth.
Effects of Bruxism
Tooth wear and sensitivity in teeth
Fracture of parts of teeth
Muscle pain- pain in the facial muscles
Tooth mobility or shaking of teeth.
Temporo-mandibular joint (joint of the lower jaw, in front of the ear) problems.
Bruxism can accelerate effects of periodontitis and can lead to tooth mobility
Treatment
Night Guard is an appliance which can be highly helpful in avoiding ill effects of Bruxism. This appliance should be worn at night and it restricts transmission of grinding forces to the teeth.
Stress counseling may be needed to remove the root cause.
