How can I tell if I have bruxism if I live alone?

The most reliable way is a diagnostic visit to a gnathologist. You can also record sound during sleep on your phone through an application that tracks noises. Indirect signs: aching jaw and temples in the morning, headache upon waking, enamel cracks without reasons.

Can bruxism go away on its own?

No. If it is associated with occlusal disorders (and this is almost always the case), without correction of occlusion and mouth guards it will continue. Sometimes it improves with a decrease in stress (for example, after a vacation), but returns with the return of stress.

Does sports help? mouthguard from the pharmacy?

As a temporary protection of enamel - yes, for a short period of time. It cannot fully treat bruxism - it does not take into account individual occlusion. In some patients, due to inaccurate fit, it aggravates TMJ dysfunction.

How long to wear an occlusal mouth guard?

In most cases - for years at night. The mouthguard does not interfere with sleep and is not visible to others. When you stop wearing it, bruxism returns. but it is impossible to cure the cause.

Bruxism in a child is dangerous?

At the age of 3–7 years, mild bruxism is a normal variant (associated with the change of baby teeth). If severe or after 8 years, a consultation with a pediatric orthodontist is needed. In children, it is often associated with enlarged adenoids and oral cavity. breathing.

Are bruxism and sleep apnea related?

Yes. In patients with obstructive apnea, bruxism occurs 2-3 times more often. If bruxism + loud snoring + daytime sleepiness - it is necessary. polysomnography.

Is it possible to install veneers during bruxism?

Without prior treatment of bruxism, veneers quickly chip off during night loads. First, the mouth guard and stabilization of the occlusion, then. veneers.

Bruxism and TMJ in Tashkent: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

What is bruxism and TMJ - in simple words

Bruxism - involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, most often during sleep. The force of compression reaches 250–400 newtons (with normal chewing 20–60 newtons). Some patients grind with a sound that they hear the partner simply squeezes - there is no sound. mouth, pain in the ear area, limited opening.

Bruxism and TMJ dysfunction are parts of one vicious circle: stress or occlusal disorders trigger bruxism → bruxism overloads the TMJ → the injured joint causes muscle spasm → spasmed muscles increase bruxism Treat only. bruxism without joint correction or vice versa - remove the symptom, not the cause.

Unlike caries, bruxism does not cause sharp pain that makes you run to the doctor - it destroys slowly, over the years. What actually happens:

Teeth. Abrasion of enamel to the level of dentin, chips, cracks. In some patients - root fracture with removal and implantation.
Crowns and veneers. During bruxism, they break 3-5 times more often than normal.
TMJ. Arthritis, arthrosis, disc displacement In severe cases - ankylosis (the mouth does not open wider than 1-2 cm), recovery is almost impossible. without surgery.
Head, neck, shoulders. Chronic headaches, migraines, tinnitus. Patients have been treating “neurology” for years, spending more on MRI than the cost of treating bruxism.
Psyche and sleep. Bruxism disrupts the sleep structure - the patient wakes up. lack of sleep, the facial muscles worked all night.

Where does bruxism come from

There are usually several reasons, they act complexly. Four main groups:

Occlusal disorders. Incorrect bite, uneven tooth contacts, lost chewing teeth without replacement, sloppy fillings and crowns. The nervous system tries to “find a comfortable position” and activates the muscles.
Psycho-emotional stress. Stress, anxiety, depression. In patients from stressful professions, bruxism occurs much more often than average.
Impaired posture and cervical spine. Sedentary work, telephone, pressed with the shoulder to the ear, the wrong pillow - the load is transferred to the TMJ.
Sleep disorders. Sleep apnea is very often accompanied by bruxism - a protective reaction of the brain to a drop in oxygen. If bruxism + loud snoring + daytime sleepiness - needed. polysomnography.

How bruxism and TMJ are diagnosed at KAN Dental

Many clinics in Tashkent limit themselves to examination and recommend a mouth guard. This is a symptomatic reaction, not a diagnosis. The real protocol at KAN is three stages.

Initial consultation gnathologist

40–60 minutes: history taking, external examination (facial symmetry, hypertrophy of the masticatory muscle), palpation of muscles (masticatory, temporal, neck, shoulders) - painful points - a marker of chronic spasm. Auscultation of the TMJ with a stethoscope, craniomandibular index test. (CMI) Plaster models in an articulator for designing a mouth guard.

Additional studies

If apnea is suspected, polysomnography. If necessary, consultation with a neurologist, orthopedist, osteopath. A gnathologist does not work in a vacuum - bruxism often requires multidisciplinary. approach.

Bruxism and TMJ: why you grind your teeth and how it is treated in Tashkent

Consultation with a gnathologist at KAN Dental

Bruxism and TMJ: why you grind your teeth and how it is treated in Tashkent

Consultation with a gnathologist at KAN Dental

What is bruxism and TMJ - in simple words

What is dangerous if left untreated

Where does bruxism come from

How bruxism and TMJ are diagnosed at KAN Dental

Initial consultation gnathologist

Additional studies

Frequently asked questions