Bruxism, a disorder characterized by teeth grinding and clenching, a dysfunction similar to the sound of chewing that occurs when people are asleep, affects about 30% of the global population, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to Dentist and Clinical Director of IOS – Instituto Odontológico, Dr. Marlei Bonella, bruxism leads to tooth wear and also fractures; often people may lose their teeth.
“Normally, the cause of bruxism is anxiety and stress, and the symptoms are: a feeling of fatigue, facial pain, muscle pain, tinnitus, migraines, and headaches,” says the dentist.
For treatment, a custom-made splint is used to protect against tooth breakage – the bruxism splint – but it is recommended to combine dental treatment with psychological support. “It is interesting to associate therapies, relaxation exercises, and meditation to lead a lighter life in daily routines,” explains Marlei.
Another treatment that the dentist recommends and that yields results is the application of botulinum toxin. “We apply botulinum toxin to the facial muscles because, in fact, the muscles responsible for teeth clenching are the ones that perform the chewing movement, and with the application, you reduce the strength of these muscles,” points out the dentist.
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