Bruxism is defined as an abnormal and parafunctional activity (without a specific purpose) of the chewing muscles that is carried out unconsciously.
People with bruxism (which can be both children and adults) keep their teeth in contact for a long period of time and with a force that sometimes reaches 60% of the maximum that can be exerted in normal chewing. which causes problems in the teeth, joints and muscles of the mouth.
It manifests itself in two ways or can even appear both together:
- centric bruxism: It’s when you clench your teeth.
- eccentric bruxism: Upper and lower teeth rub together and cause grinding (usually occurs during sleep)
There are various factors associated with the appearance of bruxism, the most important being stress, anxiety and position during sleep.
Because bruxism often occurs when you are asleep, there are people who do not realize they have it until they see:
On the teeth:
- abractions Dental wear at the level of the necks of the teeth in the form of ax blows.
- occlusal wear The occlusal surface (the one we use to chew and crush food) flattens or even depressions and depressions appear.
- dental fractures
On the gums:
- These weaken and, over time, there is inflammation and even mobility in the teeth.
Symptoms such as the following also arise:
- Headaches, since the musculature, both masticatory and the rest of the head are related, and, therefore, it is easy for pain to occur in the temples.
- Neck and back pain
- Pain or fatigue in the jaw joint Not only when eating and opening and closing the mouth, but also at rest.
folk remedies
Remedy for bruxism #1: chew one apple, cauliflower or raw carrots before going to sleep. This can help calm an overactive jaw which is particularly helpful for children.
Remedy for bruxism #2: Apply heat to the jaws. Fold a facial washcloth, soak it in hot water, wring it out, and apply to both sides of the face. The heat will relax the tensing muscles of the jaw.
Remedy for bruxism #3: Pour 1 tablespoon of valerian in a cup of boiling water. Cover and let cool. Take a cup before bed for a month. You can also add a few drops of valerian tincture to a glass of water before going to bed at night. Valerian helps combat stress that may be causing bruxism.
Read: Remedies for halitosis (bad breath)
Remedy for bruxism #4: Boil 2 tablespoons of dried lime blossoms in a cup of water for 5 minutes. Cover and let cool. Strain and have a cup before going to bed. This remedy, like the previous one, helps combat states of stress that are often the trigger for bruxism.
Remedy for bruxism #5: Drink a glass of warm milk before going to bed to combat stress.
Remedy for bruxism #6: Mix 3 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Perform circular jaw massages before bed to relax that area.
Remedy for bruxism #7: Mix 3 drops of orange blossom essential oil with 1 tablespoon of almond oil. Carry out circular massages on the jaw to relax the area.
recommendations
Putting on a mouth guard or splint to eliminate the reflex habit produced in the brain. This is a removable, thermo-curing rigid resin or hard acrylic appliance, designed in such a way that, while it is worn, it prevents the teeth from coming into contact with each other, reducing wear or grinding.It is advisable not to start using it at night because it can interfere with sleep; it is better to start using it several hours during the day, while some other activity is being carried out.
Likewise, it is advisable to go to the dentist to make the splint tailored to the mouth of the person suffering from bruxism. Periodic check-up guidelines should be followed so that it fits again because the splint wears out over time.
Manage anxiety and stress During the day, it is necessary to take things easy. To prevent nocturnal bruxism, it is important to avoid copious dinners with plenty of refined carbohydrates such as sweets, pasta and pastries and exciting drinks such as caffeine in the second half of the day.
Other tips to reduce the stress that bruxism can cause are:
- Consume foods rich in calcium, since this mineral is effective in the treatment of involuntary muscle movements.
- Take hot baths.
- Try to be optimistic. Think that everything is fixed.
- Take several deep breaths when you anticipate a tense situation Take the air through your nose and take it to your stomach. Then slowly breathe it out through your mouth.
Practice relaxation technique In this sense, you can imagine that a ball is in the palm of your hand, squeeze it very slowly, then a little harder, and finally relax your hand. The exercise must be repeated.
In order to relax the whole body, you can lie on the floor, with your arms and legs relaxed and separated. Inhale deeply through the nose, holding the air for a while, exhale slowly through the mouth. Do it three times. Then, an abdominal breath (through the mouth) is performed, expelling the air slowly through the nose while the body relaxes.
Repeat three times. End with several deep breaths, extending and flexing the limbs. Try to perform these exercises two or three times a day, or at least keep track to do them with a certain periodicity and for a certain duration.
Another practice is to start imagining a place where you would like to be, think that you are there, that you are listening to the sounds that usually surround that environment and even try to perceive the smell. Take the time to imagine the scene and relax your senses. This practice can be done for five minutes. Blank your mind and repeat it. This exercise will help you to be more relaxed and with your mind somewhere else, and not in your mouth.
Also know
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