What is oral Bruxism
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep (sleep bruxism) or while awake (awake bruxism). It can lead to a range of dental and health issues. Here are some key points about bruxism:
Types of Bruxism
- Sleep Bruxism: This occurs during sleep and is often associated with snoring, sleep apnea, or other sleep disorders.
- Awake Bruxism: This involves clenching or grinding teeth while awake, often related to stress, anxiety, or concentration.
Symptoms
- Teeth Grinding Sounds: Audible grinding can sometimes be noticed by others.
- Jaw Pain: Discomfort or pain in the jaw muscles or temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Tooth Damage: Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth due to excessive grinding.
- Headaches: Tension headaches or migraines may occur.
- Earaches: Some people experience ear pain that is related to jaw tension.
Causes
- Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress is a common trigger for bruxism.
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea can contribute to sleep bruxism.
- Misaligned Teeth: Dental issues such as misaligned bite can also play a role.
- Lifestyle Factors: Caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications can increase the likelihood of bruxism.
Treatment
- Dental Appliances: Custom mouthguards or splints can help protect teeth and reduce grinding.
- Stress Management: Techniques like relaxation exercises, therapy, or yoga can be beneficial.
- Corrective Dental Work: Adjusting misaligned teeth or other dental issues may help.
- Lifestyle Changes: Reducing caffeine intake and managing stress can also reduce symptoms.
If you suspect you have bruxism, consulting with a dentist or healthcare provider is important for proper diagnosis and management.
A few Sleep Disorders we Treat
Sleep Apnea
Insomnia
Narcolepsy
Excessive Sleep Syndrome
Circadian rhythm disorders
Periodic leg movement disorder
Snoring
Other Sleep Disorders
Office Locations
Conveniently located near you in Loudoun and Fairfax VA
NOVA Pulmonary – Dulles
24430 Stone Springs Boulevard
Suite 550
Dulles, VA 20166
NOVA Pulmonary – Lansdowne
19415 Deerfield Avenue
Suite 301
Landsdowne, VA 20176
Meet the team at NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates
Dr. Aditya N Dubey, M.D, F.C.C.P. – Founder
Specialty:
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine in the Subspecialities of Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Dubey
Dr. Petra Thomas, M.D.
Specialty:
Pulmonary Medicine
Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine in the Subspecialities of Pulmonary Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Thomas
Dr. Arman Murabia, M.D.
Specialty:
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine in the Subspecialities of Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Murabia
Paulos Abebe PA-C
Physician Assistant Learn more about Paulos Abebe PA-C
Rebekah Lee, AGNP-C
Nurse Practitioner. Learn more about Rebekah Lee
Christine Amorosi, AGNP-C
Nurse Practitioner. Learn more about Christine Amorosie