Dealing with Bruxism

Bruxism is a common sleeping disorder characterized by the grinding of the upper and lower teeth, particularly the maxillary incisors. Although it generally occurs when a person is at a subconscious state, mild cases can be observed when he or she is awake, especially when his or her attention is distracted. This is common in both men and women of any age. However, many cases of bruxism occur at a young age.

A person with bruxism is not aware of the abrasive effects of the disorder, despite the strong force exerted by the muscles. Dentists say that bruxism is not considered a reflex activity of the muscles because of the brain’s involvement in the disorder. While a person is sleeping, subconscious processes within the brain can lead to instances of chewing and clenching.

Many dentists in developed cities like Atlanta, Georgia consider bruxism a serious dental condition, since it leads to various dental problems. The pressure of abrasion can cause the edges of the upper and lower teeth to wear gradually. Wearing causes the anterior of the maxillary incisors to have a flat or uneven edge. In worse cases, the strong pressure can create cracks in the teeth.

Many experts in dentistry Atlanta, GA is home to say that the brain has a major involvement in this disorder. When a person is asleep, the body is at a semi-conscious or subconscious state but the brain remains active. Some bodily senses are left alert to minimal environmental activity. While most parts of the body are at rest, the brain sends its interpretations to the temporomandibular joint muscles that create the response.

Bruxism is usually associated with anxiety, stress, and tension. This can also be caused by severe depression, earaches, migraines, and insomnia. However, experts in general dentistry Atlanta, GA is home to regard bruxism as a disorder that can be identified from these conditions. The concept can be reversed, with bruxism as a symptom of these conditions.

There are simple techniques in dentistry Atlanta, GA dentists use for treating bruxism. Dentists usually prescribe the use of splints to prevent the upper and lower teeth from making contact. Patients are usually given mouth guards that they can wear before going to sleep. The drawback of using a mouth guard, however, is that it worsens the symptoms of the disorder, since the natural response is forcefully inhibited.