Tooth Clenching (Bruxism)

It is when a person unconsciously clenches their teeth or finds their teeth locked. The person may not notice this abnormal situation. Usually people clench their teeth during sleep, but they may also find themselves clenching their teeth during the day. Although there are many causes of teeth grinding, the most important cause is stress.

Depending on the severity of clenching, teeth may break or severe abrasions may occur. In addition, problems such as injury to the tongue and inside the cheeks are often experienced. In addition to these problems; pain in the jaw and face, jaw joint disorders are among the problems caused by clenching.

Precautions should be taken to prevent permanent damage or the need for long-term treatment. The problem should be reported to dentists and dental plaques should be taken to eliminate the damage.

People who clench their teeth should be seen by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery specialist and treatment should be started. In the treatment of clenching, a transparent and removable splint (plaque) attached to the upper or lower teeth is used to ensure the correct distribution of the load on the joint area and the relaxation of the strained muscles and the correct movement of the jaw is supported. Depending on the patient’s problems, it is decided whether to use the splint appliance at night or for 24 hours. In addition, masseter botox application is also an effective treatment method in the treatment of clenching.