Stuff You Should Know Bruxism: Grinding Your Teeth Is the Pits
Jun 30, 2020
Discover the surprising connection between rising anger levels and teeth grinding, known as bruxism. This discussion covers its impact on dental health, including enamel wear and susceptibility to cavities. Personal anecdotes and potential treatments, like mouth guards, add humor to the serious topic. Explore the links between bruxism, anxiety, and sleep disorders as well, emphasizing the importance of awareness in dental health for both kids and adults. Solutions range from specialized pillows to bedtime routines.
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Bruxism Prevalence
- Bruxism affects about 15% of Americans.
- Nighttime grinding is often more intense than daytime grinding.
Cyclical Nature of Bruxism
- Bruxism is cyclical, starting slowly, intensifying, then waning.
- These cycles, often lasting 4-15 seconds, cluster together, and correlate with increased heart rate and brain activity.
Force of Bruxism
- Bruxers exert up to 250 pounds of pressure per square inch, 10-40 times more than normal chewing force.
- This excessive force, combined with grinding, wears down enamel up to 10 times faster.
