Solutions to stop teeth-grinding

Sandton Aesthetics | August 12, 2011 | Reply

“Teeth- grinding”- even the name sounds painful – Also known as Bruxism: The unconscious grinding and clenching of the teeth that mostly takes place while we are asleep.

It affects one in four adults, with symptoms that can include an aching jaw, headaches, gum problems and the danger of tooth enamel being eroded. The pressure on the teeth during grinding can be 20 times greater than the force used in normal chewing and biting. Treatment for bruxism has been basic, with sufferers usually having to wear a mouth guard.

But injections are now being used as a way of keeping it under control.

The causes of Bruxism are not known, but it is thought stress and anxiety may cause tension in the jaw, and that anti – depressants may also be a trigger.

Botulinum toxin type A is used. It inhibits the release of certain chemicals at the junction between a nerve and a muscle when injected, so the message for the muscle to work is blocked and it relaxes.

The effects last for about four to seven months.

20 minutes is all it takes!

Wake up tomorrow morning refreshed, pain-free and ready to tackle the day.