Bruxism and hypertonicity of the masticatory muscles

Botulinum toxin type A preparations are better known in our country as Botox and are firmly associated with getting rid of early wrinkles. But there are a number of inaccuracies here. Firstly, Botox is not a group of drugs or an active substance, but a trade name for a very specific drug, which, nevertheless, has become a household name, that is, it is used to refer to all similar drugs in general. And secondly, the range of tasks for such tools is much wider!

What are the advantages of botulinum therapy with Botulax in the treatment of bruxism?

Myorelaxation Complete relaxation of tight masticatory muscles and elimination of painful spasm.
Long-lasting effect After one procedure, the relaxing effect lasts for several months.
Quick relief from pain The drug begins to act immediately and gently relieves stress and discomfort.
Point effect The medicine is administered to strictly defined points and does not affect the functioning of other facial structures.
Getting rid of a bad habit You will quietly get out of the habit of clenching your jaw and aggravating the consequences of bruxism.
Maximum safety The drug does not cause addiction and is completely eliminated from the body.

There is a solution for each case!

1 procedure

1 Botulax procedure Gentle and safe effect For mild cases of hypertonicity of the masticatory muscles RUB 15,000. 15,000 rub.
3 procedures

A course of 3 Botulax procedures Gentle and safe effects For moderate and severe stages of hypertonicity RUB 35,000. 35,000 rub.

Botulinum therapy can help if you have a habit of clenching your jaw tightly and grinding your teeth, you suffer from increased abrasion of enamel and destruction of crowns.

Symptoms of hypertonicity of the masticatory muscles and bruxism

the chewing surfaces of the teeth become worn and flat (the cutting edges disappear),
tooth enamel chips, wedge-shaped defects appear, fillings fly out, teeth quickly decay, become loose, gums hurt,
you experience discomfort when opening your mouth, while eating or yawning - there are clicks, crunching sounds,
you or your loved ones notice that you are grinding your teeth - the characteristic grinding appears mainly at night (the so-called “night bruxism”), when it is difficult for a person to control himself during sleep,
cramps the jaw - you cannot fully open or close your mouth, the jaw seems to be blocked,
it is difficult for you to keep your mouth open for a long time, overexertion and pain appear during bruxism,
when talking or chewing, you feel that your facial muscles are “clogged”, tired,
when you are angry, tense or just working in concentration - your mouth is tightly closed, your lips are pursed, your teeth are closed, you are literally clenching your jaw,
there are problems with your bite – your teeth don’t fit together correctly, your jaws are misaligned relative to each other, causing you to bite your cheeks or tongue,
after concentrated work or under stress, you often have a pressing sensation in your temples, pain and dizziness,
you notice ringing and noise in your ears,
Over time, the lower half of your face has become visually square, heavy,
there are problems with posture - you are slouched, your lower back hurts, your neck is stiff, one shoulder is higher than the other.

If you find one or more signs in yourself, then this is a reason to consult a specialist for medical help. And the first step is a comprehensive diagnosis and search for the causes of hypertension.

We approach the treatment of bruxism comprehensively! We carry out in-depth diagnostics, find the exact cause of facial muscle spasm and eliminate it using advanced methods - safely and with high results.

Free consultation

Reasons for jaw reduction

Spasm of the facial muscles can be associated with internal or external factors.

Internal:

physical condition of the body;
diseases of organs and systems (oncology, musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, etc.).

External:

pathological conditions of the oral cavity;
consequences of unsuccessful dental treatment;
jaw injuries (dislocations, fractures);
arthritis of the jaw joint;
neuralgia;
inflammatory processes;
abscesses;
periosteum.

At risk are people suffering from bursitis, who are also exposed to constant stress and overstrain of the nervous system.

The main causes of bruxism in adults and jaw strain

psycho-emotional reasons: nervous overstrain, prolonged stress, difficult experiences of situations,
dental reasons: prolonged absence of teeth, malocclusion, diseases of the temporomandibular joint, complete or almost complete absence of teeth, inconvenient and poorly made crowns and dentures, fillings that are too high, injuries to the dental system,
disorders of the musculoskeletal system: injuries and curvature of the spine, poor posture, asymmetry in the work of the core muscles,
neurological causes: epilepsy, birth trauma, brain and central nervous system damage,
other reasons: taking certain medications, smoking, abuse of caffeine-containing drinks.

“We always take a comprehensive approach to solving problems of hypertonicity of facial muscles. First of all, we look for causes from the maxillofacial apparatus - we carry out a full diagnosis and examination, evaluate the functioning of the masticatory muscles, identify the patient’s characteristic habits and collect a medical history. If necessary, we refer the patient to specialized specialists - a neurologist, psychotherapist, etc. It is very important to cure hypertonicity - at least so that the patient in the future can safely begin high-quality dental restoration: implantation, prosthetics or treatment.”

Aida Vladimirovna Jutova, implant surgeon, periodontist, work experience of more than 9 years make an appointment

Clinical picture

The first sign of trismus of the jaw muscles is compression of the upper and lower jaws, during which the person cannot make any movements.

Other characteristic symptoms:

pain when trying to make a movement;
swelling, compaction;
limited mobility;
facial asymmetry (with unilateral spasm).

The pain intensifies when palpated. In some cases, there is an increase in temperature and fever. Unilateral spasm most often occurs as a result of injuries and inflammation of the facial region, bilateral spasm occurs in pathological conditions of the body systems.

Trismus has three forms, which is determined by the degree of limitation of motor functions:

with a mild form, the mouth may open up to 4 cm;
with average – up to 2 cm;
in severe cases - up to 1 cm.

The pathology is often confused with a dislocated jaw or arthritis of the joints, which is associated with similar symptoms, so professional diagnosis is necessary to determine the exact cause of the problem.

Botulinum therapy as one of the methods for treating hypertension and bruxism

Botulinum toxin type A, which is used in medicine and cosmetology, is able to relieve spasms and relax overstrained muscles, specifically reducing their activity or immobilizing them completely. But not forever, but only for a certain period of time - during this time the body adapts to new circumstances and stops overstraining a certain area. That is, the therapeutic effect for a diagnosis such as “bruxism” lasts for a long time, which is confirmed by numerous reviews from patients.

How it works?

Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It blocks nerve impulses from the central nervous system to muscle fibers. That is, in fact, the drug paralyzes a certain muscle without transmitting motor commands from the brain to it.

In medicine and cosmetology, it is used in ultra-small and highly purified forms - that is, it is not poisonous or toxic to the body!

The drug is injected into clearly defined points in order to affect only a specific muscle and not affect the work of others. The dosages are harmless, and the blocking is reversible. Over time, the drug is completely eliminated from the body - usually this takes from 5 to 7 months. Gradually, neuromuscular conduction in the area is restored, and mobility returns to the muscle - but since it has “rested,” the spasmodic fibers are smoothed out, and the body adapts and normalizes the load.

Botulinum toxin only relieves hypertonicity and allows the muscle to relax. This is the basis of its well-known cosmetic effect - smoothing out wrinkles by blocking the work of facial muscles. That is, it is wrong to think that you can “pump yourself up” with botulinum toxin preparations - they do not in any way increase the volume of soft tissues.

To relieve excess tension in the masticatory muscles, we use the drug Botulax for intramuscular injection with 99% active substance content, thereby increasing the speed of onset and duration of the therapeutic effect. And thanks to the high degree of purification of the drug, the risk of adverse reactions is minimized. The dosage and course are selected by the doctor strictly individually!

Botulinum therapy as a method of treating bruxism

Botulinum therapy is effectively used to relieve overstrain in the masticatory muscles, fights bruxism and can relieve involuntary teeth grinding at night.

In medicine, as in cosmetology, botulinum toxin type A is used. It is able to immobilize a muscle or relieve tension in it, acting locally. This effect lasts only for a certain period of time. But during this time the body manages to get used to the new state, and the overstrain disappears completely.

Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It is capable of blocking impulses from the central nervous system sent to the muscles. In fact, botulinum toxin paralyzes them, breaking the connection between muscle fibers and the brain.

The drug is injected into the required areas, so it has an effect exclusively on the desired areas. Dosages of butolotoxin are completely safe, and its effect is reversible. After six months, it is completely eliminated from the patient’s tissues.

Indications and contraindications for botulinum therapy of masticatory muscles

Indications

pain in the temporomandibular joint area,
limited mouth opening,
clicking, crunching, discomfort when moving the lower jaw,
pathological abrasion of enamel,
overstrain of the masticatory muscles, their soreness and heaviness,
preparation for implantation, classical prosthetics (especially veneers), orthodontic treatment.

Contraindications

pustular skin lesions, ulcers, acute infection in the area of the masticatory muscles,
viral and infectious diseases in the acute stage,
neuromuscular diseases (myasthenia gravis),
constant use of certain medications and antibiotics,
pregnancy and lactation period,
bleeding disorders,
diabetes,
allergic reactions to the components of the drug,
oncology and severe mental disorders.

Symptoms of bruxism and the main causes of hypertonicity:

the surface of the teeth grinds down, they become flatter;
the enamel is damaged, fillings fall out, teeth begin to loosen, their integrity is violated, the gums become raw and bleed;
crunching and clicking appears in the jaw when opening and chewing;
teeth grinding occurs when a person sleeps;
it is difficult to open and close your mouth, you feel tired and overstrained masticatory muscles;
you often unconsciously clench your jaw, most of the time they are tense;
malocclusions appear;
the lower part of the face takes on a square shape;
posture worsens.

Main stages of treatment

Step 1. Preparation for the procedure

A doctor, for example, an implant surgeon or an orthopedist, may refer you to the botulinum therapy procedure for comprehensive preparation before installing implants or dentures. But you can also contact your dentist yourself with complaints about the symptoms of dental bruxism. On the recommendation of a doctor, after consultation and diagnosis, you can begin the injection course.

No complicated preparation is required. 2-3 days before the procedure, it is advisable to eliminate alcohol and reduce the consumption of tea, coffee and energy drinks, as well as stop taking blood thinning medications and antibiotics.

Experienced doctors who follow safety precautions! Our specialists have undergone appropriate training, are certified and accurately calculate the dosage of the drug. We carry out treatment carefully, safely and with results!

Step 2. Administration of the drug

The procedure itself takes on average 20 minutes. The doctor conducts a follow-up examination and marks points for drug administration.

The doctor takes the ampoule out of the refrigerator and opens the disposable syringe with the medicine in front of you - this way you will make sure that the storage conditions and sterility of the drug are observed. How many units of Botox are needed for bruxism? The specialist will calculate the dose individually, based on the severity of the symptoms, and divide it into 3-4 parts - that is, you will be given several small injections in different areas of the muscle. For injections, disposable sterile syringes with thin needles are used, so the procedure is almost painless. But for greater comfort, the injection site can be numbed.

Step 3. Rehabilitation period

The drug begins to act immediately, but gains maximum strength gradually - over about 10-14 days, during which the spasmodic area completely relaxes. At this time, it is undesirable to overheat and overcool the problem area: that is, you will have to limit physical activity, trips to the bathhouse and sauna, as well as to the pool.

It is also important in the first days to touch your face as little as possible and not to steam or massage the injection sites.

The effect of the drug lasts up to 7 months, but may weaken faster depending on individual characteristics. Your doctor will tell you at your follow-up appointment whether you need a repeat course.

Treatment

The chewing muscles can be relaxed with medications.

But there is little point in this, because... muscle relaxants do not eliminate the cause of hypertension, which will find a solution elsewhere.

“We treat one thing and cripple another.”

Botox injections make sense in severe cases where there is pain and tooth decay.

Therefore, treatment must be comprehensive.

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Elimination of the cause that caused the tension in the masticatory muscles.

First of all, remove obvious causes, for example, dental ones.

It is necessary to relieve general mental stress. Avoid chronic muscle fatigue.

Take breaks from computer work or other sedentary work every hour for 15 minutes.
At the end of gymnastics or as a separate relaxation exercise - shavasana.

Mandatory physical activity, at a minimum - morning exercises, mainly with flexibility exercises.

2. Local effect on muscles to relax them.

Disadvantages of treating bruxism with Botulax

It is important to choose an experienced, certified doctor who has trained and has official approval for botulinum toxin injection therapy - this is a rather complex procedure with its own subtleties. If the rules of storage, selection of dosage and administration technique are not followed, complications may occur. And if hematomas, bruises or slight swelling basically go away on their own, then difficulties with swallowing and chewing should be eliminated together with a doctor.

Our doctors have been trained and certified - treating hypertonicity with botulinum therapy in our clinic is completely safe

Why is botulinum therapy not enough to eliminate hypertension?

You need to understand that Botox treatment in dentistry, like orthopedic treatment of bruxism (that is, the manufacture of special protective mouth guards for teeth during bruxism), is only an additional, and not an independent method. Botulinum therapy protects against the consequences of muscle strain - that is, visible relief will actually occur after administration of the drug. The spasm will go away, the muscles will relax, you will stop involuntarily clenching your jaw and thereby injuring your teeth. But as soon as the effect of botulinum toxin wears off, the problem may return, albeit to a lesser extent.

Of course, if it was just a formed habit based on nervousness, and the causes of bruxism are psychosomatic or neurological, then during treatment you have a good chance to completely get rid of it. But if the source lies in other pathologies and disorders, then you also need to address them: take care of your posture, solve bite problems, restore damaged teeth, replace low-quality dentures, etc. And botulinum therapy will become an effective comprehensive measure.

Why are mouthguards needed for bruxism?

Another additional way to treat hypertonicity of the masticatory muscles in adults is to wear a special protective mouth guard (they are also called a “mouth guard” or “bruxism trainer”). These are plastic and dense overlays for teeth, which are worn mainly at night, and in case of severe symptoms, worn during the day. They are made from hypoallergenic materials in a dental laboratory individually for the patient or at the factory, if we are talking about mass production.

But this is also an auxiliary measure - a mouth guard helps muscles relax, protects against tooth wear and the consequences of bruxism, but does not remove the cause of hypertonicity.

protection of enamel from cracks, chips, increased abrasion due to involuntary clenching of teeth,
protection of artificial crowns, dentures (including those on implants) or brace systems from damage,
relieving tension and pain in masticatory muscles and joints,
protection against movement and displacement of teeth due to constant pressure on them,
gradual return of the jaws and joints to the correct position in the event of their displacement (of course, only individual mouthguards for bruxism made by a doctor work this way).

Causes of hypertonicity of the masticatory muscles

As a rule, tension in the masticatory muscles is an expression of general mental stress. Remember the expression “gritting your teeth.” Endures, gritting his teeth or makes his way through obstacles, gritting his teeth, etc. And also: grinding, grinding his teeth out of anger or powerlessness.

The jaw clenches in situations involving the need to defend or compete. But in case of psychological shock, confusion, experience of failure or loss, the muscles relax. In such cases they say: “the jaw dropped.”

Daily stress associated with work, business, family matters, etc., can cause hypertonicity of the masticatory muscles.

On the other side:

joy, smile and laughter, pleasure and love relieve tension by relaxing the jaw.

Changes in other parts of the body also provoke hypertonicity , most often this is a pathology of the cervicothoracic spine.

The incorrect position of the cervical vertebrae disrupts the symmetry of the face, the chin moves forward, which causes compensatory tension in the masticatory muscles . Malocclusion, treatment at the dentist, etc.

A temporary increase in tone can occur as a result of muscle fatigue during prolonged dynamic or static load.

For example, after running or being in an uncomfortable position.

Tension of the muscles of the eyes and neck during prolonged work at the computer also involves the masticatory muscles in this process. Prolonged and frequently repeated exercise can cause hypertension.

Choosing a sleep guard for bruxism: types and price

Firstly, there are universal and individual options: finished products are produced in factories using standard templates, and custom-made mouth guards are made exactly to your measurements.

Also, as we mentioned, mouthguards are not only night guards. The vast majority of patients suffer from teeth grinding during sleep, but a number of people cannot control jaw clenching during the day - for such cases, there are options for daytime overlays that are more invisible and do not affect pronunciation.

A mouthguard for teeth against bruxism, especially a night guard, can be bought at a pharmacy (either in Moscow or in any other city). It costs about two to three times less than a custom-made one. The quality depends on the manufacturer, and universal options have limitations in size and shape, so they simply may not fit the dentition. But the most important limitation, which patients often forget about, is that a ready-made onlay should be purchased on the recommendation of a dentist, and not self-medicated. Alas, without diagnosing and searching for the causes of spasm of the masticatory muscles, a ready-made mouth guard will do more harm than good.

Therefore, it is better if the mouth guard is made individually - based on a cast of your jaws. Individual mouthguards for bruxism, made for sleep, take into account anatomical features to the smallest detail and do not overload the teeth. And if you need to wear the veneer during the day, then it should match the shape of the teeth so that it is truly invisible when communicating. You can order such a mouthguard for bruxism in dentistry by contacting your doctor about this problem.

The doctor will also give recommendations on how long a day it is best to wear a mouth guard, how to care for it, and when the product should be replaced.

Symptoms

Involuntary movements of the facial muscles are the only symptom of hemifacial spasm. Fatigue, anxiety or reading can speed up movements. Spontaneous hemifacial spasm involves facial spasms, which are myoclonic spasms and are similar to segmental myoclonus, which can occur in other parts of the body. Postparalytic hemifacial spasm, such as after Bell's palsy, manifests as facial synkinesis and contracture.

There are a number of conditions similar to hemifacial spasm.

Spasm of the masticatory muscle

Hemispasm of the masticatory muscle is similar to hemifacial spasm and occurs when the motor trigeminal nerve is irritated. This is a rare condition that is segmental myoclonus, and is manifested by unilateral involuntary contractions of the muscles innervated by the trigeminal nerve (mastication). As with hemifacial spasm, hemispasm of the masseter muscle is well treated with medication and botulinum toxin. In addition, there is evidence that surgical treatment may be effective in some cases.

Myoclonic movements

Myoclonic movements in the facial muscles can also occur with lesions of the brain or brain stem. They differ from hemifacial spasm in the distribution of abnormal movements (more generalized, possibly bilateral), and can be diagnosed by neurophysiology. Imaging techniques can reveal deeper causes. Central myoclonus responds well to anticonvulsant therapy.

Oromandibular dystonia

Oromandibular dystonia is a muscular dystonia that affects the lower musculature of the face, primarily the jaw, pharynx and tongue. When oromandibular dystonia occurs in combination with blepharospasm, it is called Medge's syndrome.

Botulinum therapy is most effective in the treatment of oromandibular dystonia. Medications are also used to a certain extent for oromandibular dystonia.

Craniofacial tremor

Craniofacial tremor may be associated with essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, thyroid dysfunction, and electrolyte imbalances. This condition rarely occurs in isolation. Focal motor seizures sometimes need to be distinguished from other facial movement disorders, particularly hemifacial spasm. Postictal weakness and increased involvement of the lower face are hallmarks of focal motor seizures.

Chorea of the face

Facial chorea occurs in the context of a systemic movement disorder (eg, Huntington's disease, Sydenham's chorea). Chorea is an episodic complex of movements without a pattern. A similar condition, spontaneous orofacial dyskinesia, occurs in older edentulous people. As a rule, the installation of prostheses gives a good effect.

Tiki

Facial tics are short, repetitive, coordinated spontaneous movements of grouped muscles of the face and neck. Tics may occur physiologically or due to diffuse encephalopathy. Some medications (eg, anticonvulsants, caffeine, methylphenidate, antiparkinsonian drugs) may cause tics. Single, repetitive, stereotypical movements are characteristic of tics.

Facial myokymia

Facial myokymia manifests itself as worm-like twitching under the skin, often with a wave-like distribution. This condition is distinguished from other abnormal facial movements by the characteristic EMG discharges, which are short, repeated bursts of motor unit potentials in the range of 2-60 Hz, with periods of silence of up to several seconds. Facial myokymia can occur with any process in the brain stem. Most cases of facial myokymia are idiopathic and resolve on their own within a few weeks.

What happens if hypertonicity of the masticatory muscles is not treated?

The masseter muscle, which moves the lower jaw, is the most powerful in the group of facial muscles. By contracting, it is capable of creating a force of up to 80-100 kg (compare - in order to chew food efficiently, we use barely 10% of this force).

Chronic spasm and overstrain of such strong masticatory muscles creates excess pressure on the teeth, periodontal tissues and temporomandibular joints. From here, many unpleasant consequences for the jaw system and health in general develop along the chain:

abrasion of enamel and reduction in tooth height,
chips and cracks, various enamel defects,
frequent caries,
overload of periodontal tissues and the development of gum diseases - in particular, dangerous periodontitis,
failure of fillings, crowns and dentures,
threat to implants, the possibility of their overload and loosening,
swelling and inflammation of the masticatory muscles,
dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, pain and discomfort when chewing,
deterioration of blood circulation and tissue nutrition in the area of muscle spasm,
increased headaches, dizziness, noise and pain in the ears,
overstrain of the neck and back muscles, development of posture problems,
violation of facial aesthetics: angular jaw, deep wrinkles around the nose and lips, haggard face and reduction of the lower third.

Correction of bite by treatment of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint

We usually don't think about how our jaw moves. When most people talk about bite, they mean teeth. But, as mentioned above, the bite is an entire system that controls the position of the jaw. Here are its components and their role:

The role of muscles

Figure No. 4 Opening, closing the mouth, chewing and swallowing occurs due to the work of a large number of muscles.

The opening of the mouth is ensured by the muscles located in the neck. The muscles that support the mandible are located behind the jaw and run under the cheeks to the frontal and postauricular areas.

The most powerful muscles responsible for chewing are located in the cheek area.

Figure No. 5 Our body strives to carry out all functions with the greatest rationality and the least amount of energy. Therefore, normally, the chewing muscles hold the jaw in a position in which the teeth are separated by 1-2 mm.

Figure No. 6 From this rational position, the lower jaw moves hundreds of times a day until the teeth close to swallow.

All this happens subconsciously. Our brains are hardwired for a process called proprioception.

With proper bite and jaw position at rest, most muscles are in a relaxed state.

If your teeth don't close quite correctly, your muscles can adjust, causing your jaw to close in a pattern that causes excessive tension, spasm, and muscle fatigue over time.

In this case, the position of physiological rest of the lower jaw (when the teeth are not closed) is not accompanied by muscle relaxation, as it should be with normal occlusion, but, on the contrary, leads to their constant tension.

The role of joints

Figure No. 7 The lower jaw moves thanks to the joints. called the temporomandibular joints, or TMJs.

Think of the joint as a ball in a basket - the articular head (ball) moves in the recess of the skull (basket). Between them there is a soft tissue layer (articular disc).

The position of the articular head (condyle) in the corresponding depression of the skull (fossa) is largely determined by the bite (occlusion) - the position where the muscles hold the jaw.

Figure No. 8 If the system is balanced, the condyles are located in the center of the glenoid fossa and the disc, located between the articular head and the glenoid fossa, moves freely in the joint when opening and closing the mouth.

Figure No. 9 If the masticatory muscles adapt to the incorrect position of the jaw, they can hold the head of the joint in a displaced position, negatively affecting its function. This often causes the articular disc to become dislodged, preventing it from moving normally in the joint until it moves completely into its normal position when the mouth opens. When this happens, a clicking sound occurs.

The intensity of the click can vary from a barely perceptible vibration to a very loud sound.

This sound is often a sign of abnormal joint function, which in turn may be associated with a malocclusion.

The role of posture

Posture also plays a significant role in occlusion. The mandible and lower limbs can be considered interdependent parts of the human skeletal system. If any of these parts are negatively affected, other parts of the skeleton may be affected.

Let's check this by slightly closing our teeth. Pay attention to which teeth closed first. Then tilt your head back as much as possible and clench your teeth again. Don't be surprised if the first contact is on other teeth this time. By changing the position of your head, you thereby influence the balance of the entire skeletal system (and your bite in particular).

The same thing happens when you get a filling. Lying in the dental chair under anesthesia, it seems that the filling is not in the way. But after the anesthesia wears off and you get up from the chair, you notice that the filling is higher than the rest of your teeth. This is why in neuromuscular dentistry, the bite is assessed in the sitting position - the position in which your jaw is normally located. If you evaluate the bite in a sitting position, leaning back, the jaw also moves posteriorly. This situation is different from the usual one.

Photo No. 10,11 In an experiment on rats, an oversized filling was made on one lateral tooth on the right side. A week later, an x-ray examination revealed deformation of the entire spine. After leveling the occlusion by making a filling on the lateral tooth on the left, the shape of the spine was restored.

Figure 12 Since there is a direct connection between all parts of the musculoskeletal system, head position undoubtedly affects occlusion, and can cause tension in the neck and back muscles. Figure No. 13 When the lower jaw moves back as a result of malocclusion in childhood or wear of teeth over time, the neck moves forward and the head is thrown back. This, in turn, significantly increases the load on the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle. Therefore, most people with an anterior head position experience neck pain or neck muscle tension. Figure No. 14, 15 Often, displacement of the lower jaw due to malocclusion is accompanied by rotation of the first and second cervical vertebrae, which leads to severe deformation of the entire cervical spine.

Just as changes in jaw position can cause changes in posture and lead to pathology in the cervical spine, changes in the spine can affect jaw position and occlusion.

The role of breathing and sleep apnea

Figure No. 16 Displacement of the lower jaw back often leads to a narrowing of the airway due to deformation of the cervical spine and posterior displacement of the tongue, which follows the lower jaw. In order to increase the clearance of the airways, the muscles move the neck further forward and tilt the head back.

In this case, the artery that carries blood to the brain along the spine can sharply bend in the area of the first and second cervical vertebrae, causing disturbances in the blood supply to the brain.

Narrowing of the airways and impaired blood supply can cause sleep apnea - a short-term cessation of breathing during sleep.

Repeated stops in breathing lead to a significant change in the metabolism of the entire body and, as a result, can become one of the triggers for diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction, stroke, etc. Therefore, the untreated condition of sleep apnea is responsible for reducing life expectancy by 20%.

Now you understand that occlusion is much more complex than just the way the teeth are closed! And malocclusion can cause not only early tooth loss, but also cause serious pathologies such as diabetes and myocardial infarction and even reduce life expectancy.

Is it possible to undergo implantation for bruxism?

Only on condition that an integrated approach is applied to implantation and subsequent installation of the prosthesis. In order for your new teeth to serve you for a long time, we carefully plan the entire course of treatment from start to finish: we conduct in-depth diagnostics, identify related problems that may affect the result, take measures to eliminate them, and step by step work through the entire course of the operation and prosthetics.

For example, our patients often experience bruxism and problems with the temporomandibular joints due to the fact that the dental system has not been working properly for a very long time - the teeth were destroyed, the load was distributed unevenly. In itself, the return of all teeth through complex implantation is already a treatment for such conditions, since we think over dentures taking into account the correct functioning of muscles and joints, normal closure of the dentition, etc. But the body will need time to adjust to normal functioning. And that is why in cases of bruxism we are taking additional measures - increasing the number of implants installed for the entire jaw, making prostheses reinforced with a frame and made from more durable materials, and making protective soft mouth guards.

But if bruxism in adults cannot be cured only by dental methods, since the problem is not with the jaw system, but with the same psychosomatics, then we refer the patient for treatment to a specialized specialist - and return to dental restoration afterwards. We care about your health and do everything to ensure that the achieved treatment results last not just for a couple of years, but throughout your entire life.

Prevention of bruxism: how to help yourself

By prevention we mean measures that prevent dental hypertonicity and bruxism in adults, because without finding the cause and monitoring a specialist, treating them at home is an unsafe activity, as with any disease. So if you notice alarming symptoms, your first step is to get diagnosed and get a plan to comprehensively eliminate this problem.

You may need the help of several specialists (neurologist, dentist, gastroenterologist, ENT doctor, psychotherapist), because bruxism occurs in different people for very different reasons. You may be prescribed courses of physiotherapy, taking certain medications (for example, magnesium supplements), but all this, of course, is very individual.

Self-help measures are helpful if you discuss them with your doctor. For example, you can do a light relaxing massage against bruxism in the area of the chin and temples. There are also a number of exercises that can help relieve muscle spasms; it is useful to repeat them regularly before bed. Relieve general stress: sleep enough hours, walk more in the fresh air, reduce the amount of coffee and strong tea, take relaxing baths with herbs, avoid anxious situations.

All this will help consolidate the results of complex professional treatment and forget about unpleasant symptoms.

Prevention of bruxism

Preventive measures for hypertonicity of the masticatory muscles of the jaw imply measures that can prevent bruxism. Treatment of this disease without diagnosis and examination by a qualified specialist can be hazardous to health. As soon as you notice the first signs of this pathology, you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible. He will prescribe diagnostics that will help identify a possible problem and effectively eliminate it.

The patient may need to be examined by specialists such as a neurologist or psychotherapist. Increased tone of the masticatory muscles has different etiologies. Doctors in these areas can prescribe various treatments, such as physical therapy, magnesium-based medications. All this is decided on an individual basis.

Preventative measures may help if approved by the patient's physician. You can easily massage the cramped areas. There is a set of exercises that can reduce the manifestations of bruxism. They must be done daily before going to bed.

Stressful situations must be avoided. You should rest more, get enough sleep, and spend a lot of time outdoors. Avoid caffeine and take baths with herbs that have a sedative effect. These measures will be an excellent prevention of muscle spasms, and will also enhance the effect of complex treatment.

Contact the Denta-Labor dental laboratory for solutions to issues regarding the protection of your teeth during bruxism.