Sleep bruxism can be triggered by nervous or mental tension. During sleep, stressful events are processed by the brain. The following measures can help reduce tension:
Before going to bed, it can be helpful to reflect on the day. Thus, the processing of the events already begins before sleeping.
An evening walk helps to switch off.
A warm bath before bedtime, perhaps with bath additives, is beneficial for body and mind.
Make thick cheeks and move the ball of air back and forth in the mouth. This loosens the chewing muscles.
Massage the chewing muscles with your fingers should be done regularly.
Limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day).
Limited caffeine consumption (max 240 mg of caffeine per day; equivalent to 2 to 3 cups of coffee or 4 to 6 cups of green/black tea).
Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease.
Avoidance of psychosocial stress:
Stress
Conventional non-surgical therapy methods
Biofeedback therapy – Using a probe on the masticatory muscle, muscle tension can be measured and is acoustically fed back to the affected person. Thus, this becomes aware of the inherently unconscious bruxism activity and can control against it.
Injections of botulinum toxin into the muscles of mastication (Musculus masseter) – Caution: improper use may cause damage to the jawbone.
Medical aids
Occlusal splint (synonyms: grinding splint; bite splint) – The occlusal surfaces of the teeth are fully or partially covered, protecting the teeth from abrasion (wear). In addition, splints reduce bruxism activity as well as typical discomfort. A distinction is made between soft and hard splints. Both are equally suitable. The hard splints are also associated with a lower risk of tooth position changes.
