Bruxism is a type of condition where people clench or grind their teeth usually while they are sleeping. Most people, who have mild cases, will not require major treatment. However, in extreme cases, treatment may be necessary in order to prevent more damage to their teeth. Headaches, depression, and jaw pain are some of the symptoms from bruxism. Currently, no one knows what causes bruxism but stress can be a factor. Some of the different types of treatment for bruxism are mouth guards, Botox, and biofeedback devices.
Mouth guards are one of the different types of treatment for bruxism. Every night to prevent damage to the upper and lower teeth, the guard should be placed in the mouth. You can purchased a mouth guard at your local store or have one made just for you by your dentist. If purchased through your dentist, the cost may be around $500 or less. Although this is not a cure for bruxism, it is recommended to prevent further damage.
Another one of the methods for treating bruxism is Botox. To prevent grinding and clenching of the jaw, Botox is injected into the jaw muscles in order to weaken these muscles. An injection must be given in both of the jaw muscles in order to be effective. It will need to be repeated every three months. These treatments may be covered under your health insurance plan but they are very expensive.
Biofeedback devices are another method that is used to treat bruxism. The first type of these devices was battery-powered headbands that sounded a low alarm when the person began to tighten their jaw during their sleep. Through technology, several different types of this device have been developed over the years. The latest version forces people to breathe through their mouth not nose when they start to clench their teeth at night. Many people have had some type of success with this method.
If any one of these treatments is used correctly, it should reduce some of the pain and symptoms that can be caused by bruxism. To assist with their treatment, a person should also try to determine the reason behind the bruxism. It is recommended that meditation and relaxation methods be used each night before bedtime if stress is a reoccurring problem. If a person continues have severe symptoms from bruxism, then they may need to visit a physician to discuss surgery options.
