"Bruxism: The Hidden Impact on Your Oral and Muscular Health"

 

From a dentist's perspective, clenching your teeth, known as bruxism, is a habit that can severely impact oral health. It can wear down tooth enamel, cause fractures in the teeth, and even lead to problems in the temporomandibular joint. It can also affect the neck muscles, causing tension and pain that may radiate to the shoulders and head, potentially leading to chronic discomfort and even migraines.

To treat bruxism, different types of splints can be used, such as neuromuscular relaxation splints, flexible splints, semi-rigid splints, and the Michigan splint. However, when clenching is excessive, consulting other specialists may also be necessary, such as a psychologist to manage stress, a physical therapist to relieve muscle tension, or even considering treatments like Botox injections in the joint to reduce bruxism.

Addressing the issue is essential to prevent muscle complications and improve your quality of life.