Treatment of teeth grinding, clenching, and bruxism in Cedar Park, TX
Bruxism is also known as teeth grinding, is a complex issue. This dental anomaly involves the uncontrolled motor activity of chewing muscles accompanied by jaw compressions and followed by a grinding sound. Several factors contribute to the disease, including dental pathologies.

Is it possible to treat bruxism?
Treatment of bruxism is possible. But it is essential to understand that due to several factors that provoke the disease, it is necessary first to identify its causes and then determine the treatment plan. Some severe cases can often require a mutual effort from a dentist and another specialist.
Depending on the causes of bruxism, the treatment of the disease will differ significantly. The most popular theories of disease development:
  • psychological (stress, overload, nervous overexertion);
  • neurogenic (problems with the nervous system);
  • osteopathic (issues with spinal cord pulse);
  • dental (improper bite, poor-quality prostheses, incorrectly installed braces, fillings, and various dentition pathologies).

Treatment of bruxism in adults and children
Since teeth grinding in children usually goes away by itself, adult bruxism treatment is much more common. Suppose you do not pay attention to the disease in adulthood for a long time. In that case, the result may be wear and tear of hard tooth tissue, increased reaction to temperature difference, gum irritation, ear, neck, back, shoulder pain, headaches, sleep disorders, and depression. Therefore, it is vital to seek professional assistance on time.
The causes and treatment of bruxism in adults are determined based on diagnostic results, the general health status of a particular patient, and the disease's severity and form. Let's consider methods of treating bruxism.

  • Elimination of dental defects
Correction of the incorrect bite with braces, prosthetics, if necessary - surface grinding. If this helped eliminate the symptoms, you could move on to aesthetics - restoration, sealing, and veneers (tooth overlays).
  • Taking medicines
Treatment of bruxism with drugs helps to reduce the intensity of convulsive syndrome.
  • Psychotherapy course
The specialist selects the bruxism treatment plan based on the individual characteristics of the patient.
  • Use of mouthguards
A specific elastic lining on the teeth allows you to distribute the chewing load and prevent enamel abrasion. There are options for night and daytime mouthguards.
  • Therapeutic massage
The course helps to cope with overstress without using psychotherapy.
  • Botox injections
Indicated in the treatment of teeth grinding in sleep in adults in severe form. The method of treating bruxism with Botox is to block the nerve impulse coming to the muscle. As a result, muscle tone decreases. However, this does not eliminate the cause of the disease but only removes the symptoms.

How to treat bruxism at home?
Treatment of bruxism at home in adults is impossible. It can only worsen the situation, so it is necessary to make an appointment with your dentist in case of the slightest suspicion and undergo a diagnosis.
In addition to professional assistance, you can perform a jaw, chin, and neck massage. Mechanical relaxation of the muscles reduces the frequency of spasms. Herbal decoctions of valerian, motherwort, chamomile can help relieve tension. Special breathing techniques also have a beneficial effect: deep, measured breath with the nose, exhalation with the mouth. During the day, you should try not to squelch your jaws. Pleasant music, a light book, a bath will also help to relax - everyone can choose according to their preferences.
If teeth grinding manifests itself in a child, it is necessary to monitor his jaws' condition during the day. They shouldn't shrink. Try to play a game that relaxes facial muscles. If seizures occur very often and last more than a few seconds, you need to make an appointment with a dentist.

Conclusion.
When treating bruxism, the recovery process is usually slow and requires several specialists from different fields, as there is no single cure for teeth grinding. If you want to protect yourself as much as possible from the development of pathology, do not overwork, monitor your sleep regimen, do not over-eat before bedtime, visit the dentist regularly.
If you suspect that you have developed bruxism, do not delay a visit to Cedar Park Dental Wellness. Dr. Regina Yunusov can determine how to treat bruxism in adults and advise the disease's indications in children. The earlier you seek expert advice, the easier it will be to determine the causes and treatment of bruxism and cope with the problem.