Bruxism is an oral habit characterized by rhythmic activity of the jawbone muscles that cause a forced contact between teeth surfaces during sleep.
Bruxism is an oral habit characterized by rhythmic activity of the jawbone muscles that cause a forced contact between teeth surfaces during sleep. It has been linked to headaches, joint discomfort and muscle aches, premature loss of teeth, and sleep disruption for both the person with bruxism as well as his or her bed partner.
The study,was done in three European countries, aimed to collect information on the prevalence of sleep bruxism in the general population, the risk factors associated with the disorder, and its links to other health-related and sleep-related issues. Participants were interviewed by phone.Tooth grinding which occurred at least weekly during sleep was reported by 7.9 percent of the participants. More than 45 percent of those with tooth grinding reported some related problem.Mental disorders, mainly anxiety disorders and hallucinations, were also significantly related to tooth grinding during sleep.
About 73 percent of those with sleep bruxism related their condition to either aggrevation, stress, or anxiety. Daily use of alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine were also associated with sleep bruxism.Researchers also noted that bruxism was unrelated to gender and decreased significantly with age. The highest prevalence was observed in the 19- to 44-year-old group.
