Teeth grinding, or bruxism as it is more technically known, can be disturbing for those who suffer from the condition. It can also be difficult for those who spend a lot of time in their company; I know at least one friend who ended up with a partner because of it. Those suffering from bruxism grind or grind their teeth at different times during the day and at night. This cleaning of the teeth is often done unconsciously, and is usually done while asleep. This grinding of the teeth, which occurs in sleep, is referred to sleep bruxism.
Those with this teeth grinding problem are sometimes referred to by those in the medical field. But most people have a condition that they don’t even know about. The fact that grinding teeth often happens unconsciously means that people are completely unaware of what they are doing. Family and Friends is probably too lazy to mention, and this means that the situation can go untreated for years. If one person sleeps, there is no bruxism that is a witness. Some people do not know that they have teeth problem grinding until they start to suffer badly from it. .
Continuous teeth grinding can lead to several other symptoms. Tension in jaw pain and stiffness in that area; it is also possible that in this way the jaws are completely pushed out. Significant damage can be seen in the teeth due to abrasions that damage the tooth enamel. There could also be some damage observed on the inside of the jaws. A person with bruxism may also experience regular pain. In the beginning though these things may appear minor and therefore it may take some time before they decide to help with the condition.
The University of Virginia (http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/adult_oralhlth/bruxism.cfm) advises people that the appropriate treatment for their bruxism depends on several factors. When you receive it, your opinion will be considered. Much also in your age and the severity with which you suffer with the condition; perhaps no treatment is needed. If treatment is deemed necessary, then there are a number of options.
Your doctor may advise you to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth, and to inform you of dull periods. Behavior modification is believed to have some success and will teach techniques that break bruxism. Another option is biofeedback; this electrical device will monitor the electrical activity of the muscles in the mouth and catch the user when they clean their teeth.
But the teeth can be harmful to anyone if they are left untreated. The first important step is to identify if you have the condition and warn those around you who exhibit this behavior. Once bruxism is noticed, there are options for how to treat it.
Sources
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bruxism/DS00337
http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/adult_oralhealth/bruxism.cfm
