Bruxism is an affliction where the jaws are clenched and grinding of the teeth occurs. Most people go through a phase of bruxism at some period during their lives but this usually passes by itself and does not cause any medical complications. It is an unconscious habit that can occur either during the day or at night; the bruxism effects on the health of an individual are greatest when the clenching and grinding occurs while asleep. Bruxism is not a disease but a habit that is difficult to control and leads to sleep disorders.
Bruxism is usually divided into two categories – the short term and the long term and the effects and consequences of both are different. The most commonly observed short term bruxism effects include damaged and loose teeth, receding and inflamed gums, severe and regularly occurring headaches, earaches, an impairment of mouth mobility (the inability to open it fully) shoulder and neck pains and insomnia or other sleep disorders. In the majority of cases, as the bruxism fades away, usually as a natural process or sometimes because of medical intervention, these symptoms and effects also disappear on their own. However, what is often overlooked is the affect that bruxism can have on a spouse or partner. The grinding and disturbed sleep of the nocturnal bruxism patient can affect the sleep of the spouse or partner and cause him or her to sleep in a different room which often leads to huge strains on the relationship.
The long term bruxism effects, if the problem does not disappear within a reasonable amount of time, can be far more severe and can often require specialized medical treatment. The most common and obvious bruxism effect is the damage to the teeth by the grinding – worn and broken teeth are common in those who have suffered from bruxism for a long time. While dental surgery and the fitting of caps and dentures can correct the disfigurement, nothing can be attempted until the bruxism is finally stopped. More serious, from the point of long term health problems is the Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJ that results from the stress that bruxism places on the jaw, shoulder and other muscles. While physiotherapy can often help in the alleviation of the symptoms of TMJ, in severe cases long term medication or even invasive treatment may be required.
Since it is not a life threatening disease and the many bruxism effects are not widely known, most people treat the problem lightly. It should not be forgotten that bruxism effects extend far beyond the mouth and jaws and that it can have a major negative impact on the overall health and lead to other sicknesses.
