Occlusion
Occlusion deals with the treatment of issues such as bruxism (teeth grinding) and clenching, as well as other problems such as jerks and joint noises. Occlusion is the area of dentistry that has the greatest presence in all the other specialties. It deals with the study of the relationship between the upper and lower teeth, as well as the pathologies of the temporomandibular joint.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a motor activity characterized by the habit of grinding the teeth or tightening the chewing muscles, clenching the teeth both during the day and at night during sleep.
Symptoms associated with bruxism can include:
- Worn, chipped and/or broken teeth;
- Pain associated with the muscles of the face or in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) – the place where the temporal bone articulates with the mandible (lower jaw) and which allows you to make various movements such as opening and closing your mouth;
- Tension in the face and neck when waking up or at the end of the day;
- Tooth sensitivity;
- Headaches;
- Snapping or grinding of the temporomandibular joint;
- Blockage or difficulty opening or closing the mouth;
- Edentations on the tongue;
The relationship between Bruxism and an anxiety profile is increasingly evident. There is also a pattern that associates people who are focused, perfectionists or have a high level of professional, personal or emotional pressure with the appearance of signs and symptoms of Bruxism.
It should also be borne in mind that headaches can be related to temporo-mandibular joint pathologies, so these issues should be assessed by your doctor at Clínica São Dente.
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Prof. Dr. Maria Cristina de Faria Teixeira
Doctor and Dentist with postgraduate training from the following institutions: