"A Silent Battle of Teeth": A Valeologist Explains How Bruxism Ruins Your Sleep and Smile

June 29, Gomel. About 10% of adults suffer from bruxism - involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth not only in sleep but also while awake. Anna Pigulevskaya, a valeologist instructor at the public HEALTH department of the Gomel Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, told BELTA about the causes of this phenomenon and treatment approaches.
As the specialist emphasized, in some cases people may have severe spasms of the masticatory muscles, as a result of which teeth wear down, decay and hurt. 
The valeologist instructor named stress and anxiety as one of the reasons for teeth grinding. "Psycho-emotional factors often become reasons for the development of bruxism. Tension and stress can lead to tension in the jaw muscles," she explained. 
Also among the causes are diseases of the NERVOUS SYSTEM, dental anomalies, sleep disorders - bruxism is often observed in people with such disorders as apnea (sleep apnea), noted Anna Pigulevskaya.
According to her, the likelihood of grinding teeth can be increased by the use of caffeine and ALCOHOL. In addition, some medications , especially antidepressants, can cause a side effect in the form of bruxism.
"Symptoms vary from mild to severe and include grinding of teeth, especially at night, pain in the jaw or face, headaches, damage to tooth enamel, increased sensitivity of teeth, clicking in the jaws," the instructor-valeologist listed.
She emphasized that the treatment of bruxism depends on the cause, severity and goes hand in hand with prevention. The specialist named some approaches. Firstly, this is stress reduction - relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga help reduce stress levels. Secondly, the use of mouth guards, which are put on the teeth during sleep and can prevent their damage. Thirdly, bite correction - in some cases, orthodontic treatment may be required to correct anomalies.
it is also necessary to pay attention to lifestyle. "Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, as well as quitting smoking, can help reduce the likelihood of bruxism," Anna Pigulevskaya noted. In some cases, the DOCTOR may prescribe muscle relaxants or antidepressants.
"If you suspect that you suffer from this disorder, it is important to consult a doctor for diagnosis and selection of appropriate treatment," the valeologist instructor concluded.