Bruxism, a disorder of 30% of Italians
Little is said about it, as if it were not a problem but bruxism exists and, in the last two years, it has increased. Bruxism is a condition characterized by grinding and clenching of teeth of the upper arch with those of the lower arch and is dictated by the involuntary contraction of the masticatory muscles during sleep. It is quite common in adults and children with a variable prevalence that seems to decrease with increasing age. Bruxism has a higher incidence before school age and in most cases it disappears spontaneously with growth, usually upon completion of the permanent dentition.
Bruxism mainly caused by stress and anxiety
Stress is the main cause of this condition which affects 30% of Italians. The exact causes are not known, but experts agree that anxiety and stress worsen the course of the phenomenon. To confirm this correlation, the data relating to 2021 released by the Italian Medical Press Association, according to which the psychological pressure induced by the Covid-19 pandemic has favored an increase in cases compared to to 2019 equal to 36%, accompanied by a jump of 120% in cases of dental fractures. A single certain cause has not been identified to which to attribute this disorder, it is thought that it is part of a neurological response, that its genesis is multifactorial and favored by the concomitance of several factors, including stress, anxiety, emotional and psychological problems, dental malocclusions, some neurodegenerative diseases but also the consumption of alcohol, smoking and caffeine.
Bruxism and tooth wear. Osteopathy one of the solutions
The consequences of this condition include wear of the teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, pain in the jaw and mandible, temporomandibular joint disorders and headache. One of the solutions to remove the disorder is also osteopathy. The first objective of the treatment is to protect the teeth and improve the quality of life and rest, then an attempt is made to treat the cause from which the problem originates, which is subjective for each individual. Often adults are advised to use a Bite to avoid rubbing between the two dental arches and therefore to safeguard the health of the teeth which is rarely indicated in pediatric age. Since the condition is also closely related to the emotional and psychological state of the patient, it may be useful to resort to practices that help improve the quality of sleep, especially in children.
Bruxism and the treatment action on neurophysiological mechanisms
“Through osteopathic treatment-indicates the Dr. Bianca Finziosteopath and consultant of the Mustela childhood education portalit is possible to act on neurophysiological mechanisms at the base of this condition, the osteopath’s task will be to evaluate and treat all those structures involved in this disorder through techniques chosen according to the patient’s need and age. Among the main components to be treated we find: the craniosacral system, the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and the cervical spine with the aim of relieving the patient’s symptoms “.
Bruxism, the other dentist actor in the fight against ailment
Another actor in the fight against bruxism is clearly the dentist who can prepare the use of the Bite to defend the teeth. In fact, to help those suffering from bruxism it is good to perform a careful analysis, using an accurate physical examination, laboratory tests, observation of the posture and musculature of the whole body. This will allow you to set the correct therapy. According to Doctor Lorenza Vannozzi, Surgeon, Specialist in odontostomatology and orthodontics: “The dentist or orthodontist must intervene on the mouth with a repositioning bite or masks, in plastic or resin, which cover the teeth so that they prevent rubbing and therefore the abrasion. This is the worst damage to the teeth and can lead to cosmetic damage. but above all the destruction of the teeth up to the exposure of its innermost layers with related symptoms: sensitivity and destruction such as to lead to tooth loss “.
