Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

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A common issue with teeth grinding is extensive tooth wear, hypersensitive teeth, aching jaw muscles and headaches. It is not that uncommon as ten percent of all people, and 15 percent of children, are affected by it. Medically, teeth grinding is referred to as Bruxism. It simply refers to anyone who grinds their teeth when they’re not eating food.

 
Causes Of Teeth Grinding:
 
The exact causes of teeth grinding at night are not known, though studies have connected several factors with the condition, including:
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
  • Anxiety
  • Caffeine
  • Daytime stress
  • Loud snoring
  • Smoking
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Antidepressant drugs
 
Treatment Options for Bruxism
 
Relax the masseter muscle that causes involuntary teeth grinding. This can be done by injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin directly into the masseter muscle.
 
Unlike many myths about the botulinum toxin side effect, the Botulinum toxin injection on correct dosing and technique does not interfere with talking, chewing, or facial expressions.
 
However, to maintain the results, you are required to get at least three repeat injections every six months. Though the result partly depends on your lifestyle, a good number of people enjoy long-term results after only three treatments.
 
Botulinum toxin treatment can treat the headache and damage to the temporomandibular joint associated with teeth grinding.
For most patients, a botulinum toxin treatment, or series of treatments, for teeth grinding helps to break the pattern and gives them enough time to manage the event that triggered bruxism – anxiety, stress, sleep apnea, etc.


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