Bruxism: understanding the disorder and its consequences

The condition can affect physical and emotional health; know how to identify symptoms

or bruxism is a condition of Health which is gaining more and more importance, due to its incidence, as in Brazil it is estimated that 40% of people suffer from the disorder, according to the Brazilian Dental Association (ABO).

Rafael Puglisi, director of the Guy Puglisi Institute and reference in dental contact lenses, explains that bruxism is “the act of gritting the teeth with the muscles in motion”, that is, it is characterized by involuntary grinding of the teeth during the night. even during the day. He also points out that the condition is usually directly related to mental health factors, such as stress and anxiety.

Although the characteristic of the disorder is remarkable, and can also affect children, Rafael reports that “out of 10 patients, about eight suffer from bruxism and often do not know it”. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to all the symptoms that may include this condition, they are: pain in the temporomandibular joint, headache, tooth wear, ringing in the ears, clicking in the jaw region and increased volume and fatigue of the chewing muscles, as listed by ABO and Ajuz Demétrio, dental surgeon, endodontic specialist and co-founder and professor at Harmonize School Clinic – Aesthetic Procedures.

According to the dental surgeon, the consequences of bruxism are its own symptoms, which are usually recurrent and can also lead to tooth loss, compromising the physical and emotional health of those who suffer from it.

Treatment of bruxism

To begin treatment, an accurate diagnosis is essential. For this, Ajuz advises to consult a dental surgeon, to carry out intraoral examinations, and a neurologist, for anamnesis and complementary examinations.

Bruxism has no cure, however some precautions, based on individual needs, can alleviate the condition and avoid its consequences. “For a patient with mild bruxism, a bite is indicated. In very severe cases, we also treat with drugs, such as muscle relaxants and application of botulinum toxin (botox) in the masseter and / or temporal muscle”, informs the professor.

Rafael Puglisi believes that mental health care also deserves attention in treatment. “When the other factors directly related to this condition, such as stress and anxiety, are treated, then yes, patients with bruxism will be more successful,” he muses.

Finally Puglisi clarifies that the condition, if well treated and accompanied by a good professional, does not prevent the use of contact lenses on the teeth.

Source: Terra

Benjamin

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