Understanding and Battling Bruxism

Bruxism, or clenching, is a sleeping disorder common to all ages. It does not choose sufferers and can be threatening to their dental condition in the long run. This is the abnormal grinding or gnashing of the upper and lower teeth using large amount of pressure that can either abrade the surface of the teeth or totally extricate it. The general cause of this disorder is the extreme alertness of the brain while the body is asleep.

In a semi-conscious state, all organs inside the body are at rest except for the brain. It works even twice as assertive as when the body is awake. At times, when movements around are apparent and can be sensed, the brain responds by sending its interpretation for execution to the maxilla (upper jaw) and the mandible (lower jaw), causing the teeth to grind. Gnashing at a 250-pound force is strong enough to dig up any of the involved tooth.

Sometimes, without the sufferer knowing it, the teeth have already been removed. The abrasion due to grinding results in the reduction of the teeth’s surface. As the surface is reduced, the inner and sensitive layers of the teeth begin to expose, leading to certain cases of sensitivity. Many dentists in developed cities like Jackson associate bruxism to various factors, among which disturbed sleep pattern is the most popular.

Bruxism can also be linked to the misalignment of the teeth due to incorrect emergence. Any dentist in Jackson can conclude that wrong alignment results in disharmonic occlusion. Consuming high amount of caffeine-containing food and beverages is also a factor contributing to bruxism. Caffeine causes the nervous system to be active even in a semi-conscious state.

Studies have also proven that drinking alcohol and smoking, all forms of stree, and ineffective coping strategy are major culprits of clenching. When the body feels uneasy even in the subconscious state, the brain will respond abnormally. A dentist in Jackson, TN also associates this disorder with excessive or frequent intake of stimulant drugs.

To treat this dental issue, dentist Jackson provides sufferers with mouth guard, which helps in keeping the teeth from making contact, thus preventing abrasion from occurring. However, the use of this protective device is discouraged, as the connecting jaw bones receive all the pressure, which might cause collapse or internal trauma.