Do you ever wake up in the morning with a sore jaw and a feeling of exhaustion? Do you constantly find yourself needing to replace broken teeth or fillings? If so, you may be one of the many individuals experiencing bruxism, which is the medical term for teeth grinding. Teeth grinding during sleep is not a simple issue and can lead to more serious problems. It can also be a sign of underlying conditions.
Dr. Jennifer Collins, a leading dentist at Northumberland Dental Care in Dublin, has noticed an increase in patients grinding their teeth at night since the pandemic began. She saw a similar trend during the banking collapse and recession. The stress of the pandemic has caused many individuals to develop this habit, which has been difficult to break.
There are various reasons why people grind their teeth, with stress being a major factor. Dr. Collins explains that moving house, starting a new job, having a new baby, or going through exam time can all lead to teeth grinding. It is a common occurrence, with one-third of individuals experiencing it at some point in their lives. However, it can come and go in cycles. Some individuals may start grinding during a stressful period and then stop once the stress subsides. It is a complex condition that is linked to other underlying problems in one’s life.
Age is another significant factor in the severity of teeth grinding and its implications on overall health. Older individuals who grind their teeth may experience jaw ache, tooth wear, decay, dry mouth, loose teeth, gum problems, and more. This is when grinding becomes a major issue, as it affects not only the teeth but also the surrounding muscles.
Addressing teeth grinding is crucial because it can be an indicator of sleep apnea and can also contribute to poor sleep health. Poor sleep health increases the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and other health problems later in life. Dentists who specialize in sleep medicine can assess individuals who grind their teeth for sleep apnea and provide appropriate treatment, such as a sleep apnea device that repositions the jaw for better sleep.
The most common treatment for bruxism is wearing a night guard, either hard or soft, to protect and separate the teeth. Other self-help methods include reducing stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques before bed. Avoiding screen time on phones before sleep is also recommended, as it adds unnecessary stress. Acupuncture and Botox injections can offer temporary relief but may not be a long-term solution.
Interestingly, it has been discovered that perimenopausal and menopausal women are at an increased risk of grinding their teeth and developing serious mouth conditions due to a drop in estrogen levels. This drop in hormone levels can lead to burning mouth syndrome, dry mouth, and gum disease. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect oral health but tend to resolve after giving birth.
To mitigate these issues, women can consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, over 50% of menopausal women still experience gum problems, which can lead to gum disease. Dry mouth and burning mouth syndrome affect around 25% and 15% of menopausal women, respectively, and can be debilitating.
Overall, bruxism is a complex condition that requires attention and treatment. It is important to seek help from a dentist who specializes in the area and explore various treatment options, such as night guards, stress reduction techniques, and potential hormone therapy for menopausal women. By addressing teeth grinding, individuals can improve their oral health and overall well-being.
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