Bruxism is an affliction where the jaws are clenched and grinding of the teeth occurs. It occurs in most people at some period of their lives but is usually a passing phase and does not result in any health issues. This is not a disease but a subconscious action or habit that can affect people both when awake and asleep but the serious bruxism effects occurs in those who suffer from it while asleep. Although it is a habit and not a sickness, if bruxism does not fade away soon it can impact the rest of the body and result in the occurrence of other medical problems.
Bruxism affects people in many ways and bruxism effects on the health are usually classified as either short term or long term. In the short term, the most common bruxism effects range from aching facial and jaw muscles, difficulty in being able to open the mouth completely, earaches, severe and regular headaches, loose and damaged teeth, sleep deprivation and pain in the shoulders and neck. In the majority of cases, as the bruxism fades away, usually as a natural process or sometimes because of medical intervention, these symptoms and effects also disappear on their own. One often overlooked affect of bruxism is the way it can damage a relationship. The constant grinding of teeth and disturbed sleep of a bruxism patient can affect the sleep of a partner or spouse to the extent they may be forced to sleep in another room and this can adversely affect the intimacy on which the relationship depends.
If bruxism persists and does not fade away by itself over time, it is categorized as long term bruxism and this may have far more serious effects and require specialized medical care. The most common long term effect is the wear on the teeth and even broken teeth which result can result in disfigurement. It is only after the bruxism has been stopped that treatment in the form of corrective surgery and the fitting of dentures and caps can be undertaken. From the long term health point of view, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is a more serious problem as this is a condition of the joints and muscles that is caused by the stress that bruxism places on the jaws, neck and shoulders which can impair mobility. Although in many cases physiotherapy can provide effective treatments, many cases often require heavy medication or even surgical intervention to treat the bruxism related problems.
Bruxism is not a life threatening health problem but it is a serious one and should not be taken from granted. Remember that bruxism effects go far beyond the mouth and jaws and the affects of bruxism on other parts of the body can lead to major health problems.
