Bruxism in adults    

Grinding of the teeth, or bruxism, is a relatively widespread condition in adults, and it happens involuntarily while asleep. Although seemingly a minor irritation, repeated grinding results in a chain reaction of oral complications, negatively impacting tooth enamel to jaw function.

Most people do not realize they grind their teeth during the night until a partner or dentist picks up on the tell-tale signs. These signs include worn-down or flattened teeth, chipped enamel, soreness of the jaw muscles, headaches, and even TMJ disorders. The sound of grinding, although sometimes noticeable to others, seldom wakes the person. Because of this ignorance, the grinding goes on unabated, creating cumulative damage over the course of time.

Causes:

The etiology of bruxism is not well understood. Mental tension and emotional anxiety are the main precipitating factors. Other possible causes include sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, some medications, and even malaligned or crooked teeth or bite irregularities. There is also a genetic component. Poor posture, particularly misalignment of the head, neck, and shoulders, can also be a contributing factor

Main Consequences:

The effects of untreated bruxism can be significant. In addition to the immediate pain of jaw and headache, it can cause irreversible damage to teeth and TMJ disorders, which are marked by jaw joint and muscle pain. It can also complicate further, impacting chewing, speaking, and quality of life of the patient. Moreover, ongoing tension in the muscles of the jaw can lead to chronic headaches and facial pain,

Treatment Option:

Luckily, various treatments are there to control bruxism. Among the most common and helpful is the usage of a night guard that has been custom-fit to the individual's teeth. The device is worn over the teeth while asleep and serves as a shield between the upper and lower teeth to avoid grinding. While a night guard does not correct the source of the grinding but it keeps the teeth from grinding further effectively.

In instances where stress and anxiety are found to be the major precipitants, stress management measures like meditation, yoga, or counseling may be helpful. Treatment of underlying sleep disorders, when they occur, can also decrease bruxism. In a few cases, dentists might suggest the use of muscle relaxants or Botox injections to weaken the muscles and decrease grinding. In people with irregularly shaped teeth, orthodontic braces might be needed to straighten out the bite and align the jaw.