One of the
best ways to establish the causes of damage caused by
teeth grinding is to confirm the condition of Bruxism in
the overnight PSG – or through a polysomnographical
(PSG) test.
Bruxism
and the need for overnight PSG
The oral
condition of Bruxism is usually seen as a night time
occurrence (although Bruxism can be a diurnal condition
too). This oral condition involves teeth grinding and
(or) teeth clenching motions that are prevalent in many
people to varying degrees of intensity. Many times teeth
grinding is a temporary phenomenon (or habit) that
passes by without causing any damage.
However,
the condition of Bruxism often remains a habit for a
long duration and goes on to inflict severe damage on a
person’s teeth, jaws and lead to other health
complications. Such variations of Bruxism require
immediate attention and follow up steps to cure the
problem and its consequences.
Nocturnal
Bruxism is more difficult to identify and is also more
difficult to cure. On several occasions it has been seen
that the condition of Bruxism has come to light only
after an investigation into causes of severe wear and
tear of teeth (Bruxism is known to wear down teeth to
such an extent so as to erode the enamel completely and
expose the pulp inside). Nocturnal Bruxism is also known
to cause sleep related problems such as insomnia,
leading to over exertion and fatigue through the day.
Stress compounds the problem of Bruxism and in turn
becomes a contributing factor to teeth
grinding.
One of the
best ways to establish the condition as well as the
intensity of Bruxism teeth grinding is to consult with a
physician or a dentist and get an examination done. A
polysomnographical (PSG) recording during sleep period
is what is used to confirm the existence and nature of
Bruxism. Such PSG tests can also be used subsequently to
determine the efficacy of coping techniques that a
person might use to deal with chronic Bruxism. PSG
tests, earlier used for medical conditions such as
Parkinson’s disease are being increasingly used these
days for help in seeking out causal factors of other
health conditions such as teeth grinding in this
instance.
Things to
consider before a conducting a
PSG
- Bruxism
is a multifactorial condition and therefore its causes
can be wide ranging
- There
are perfectly good natural ways of dealing with
Bruxism.
- PSG is
not a solution to Bruxism.
