A doctor has warned of the risks of teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, occurs in about 9% of the population and can cause significant damage not only to teeth but also to overall health. Viktoria Radko, orthodontist, head of orthodontic direction of EUROKAPPA clinic scientific and clinical center, told Izvestia on December 14 about the risks of bruxism.

According to the specialist, bruxism is a medical problem that, contrary to common belief, occurs not only during sleep, but also during the day. It is characterized by involuntary jaw clenching or grinding of the teeth, which is unrelated to chewing or speaking. Bruxism can lead to abnormal wear and tear on the tooth surface, increased tooth sensitivity, and possible formation of microcracks in the enamel.

"The exact cause of the pathology remains a subject of study. The key factor is considered to be stress, which activates the masticatory muscles and causes their overstrain," notes Radko.

Nocturnal bruxism is a serious problem, as it is difficult to control, and it often occurs against the background of sleep disorders or chronic stress. For diagnosis and therapy, a comprehensive examination is performed to determine the causes and deal with the consequences of bruxism. Ways to combat teeth grinding include the use of occlusal mouthguards, physical therapy and advice on reducing stress levels.

"Constant tension of masticatory muscles leads to fatigue, sleep disorders and irritability, which aggravates the general condition of the patient. Timely referral to a specialist helps not only to minimize the consequences of bruxism, but also to improve the quality of life, getting rid of discomfort and associated symptoms," - summed up Radko.

Earlier, December 10, orthodontist of the highest category, owner and chief physician of the network of clinics Ortholike Andrei Zhuk told "Izvestia" about contraindications for the use of eliners. According to him, eliners are ineffective in complex forms of skeletal bite anomalies - for example, deep or open bite requiring surgical correction, congenital defects such as cleft palate.