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Coping with Tooth Grinding.
A 2007 study looked at coping skills when compared to those without the disorder. It looked at a group of bruxers and a control group to determine their coping strategies. Using the German coping questionnaire, it was found that there was a significant difference in the coping strategies in bruxers when compared to controls.
There appeared to be less functional coping in bruxers when compared to controls. This points to the possible benefit of psychotherapy in the treatment of some individuals.
A Definitive Treatment for Bruxism?
A 1997 review study looked at all the different treatments as to their effectiveness. The study noted that there is no definitive treatment for the disorder. The study compared patients using oral devices and patients taking medication (clonidine).
It determined that both methods were helpful in reducing effects of bruxism but that mandibular advancement devices and clonidine had some adverse effects linked to them. The occlusal splint was therefore felt to be the recommended treatment of choice.
It also said that clonazepam treatment was effective but felt that because it can cause dependency, it should be a lesser used treatment.
Splints.
Another 2007 study looked at the effectiveness of occlusal splints on controlling bruxism. They looked at a comparison between alternative treatments, occlusive splints and no treatment. Some of the treatments used were the palatal splint, the mandibular advancement device a TENS unit (which blocks pain signals in the face) and no treatment.
It was found that the occlusal splint did not improve sleep outcome but that it was effective in reducing tooth wear. In other words, the grinding was still occurring but there was less damage to teeth as a result.
Antidepressants.
A 2007 Netherlands study reported on fourteen reports it had on SSRIs (antidepressants) causing new cases of bruxism. It noted that there have been several reports in the literature of SSRIs causing bruxism and recommended that bruxism be asked about as a possible side effect in patients who have been prescribed this type of drug.
There are hundreds of studies out there on this subject and some disagree with one another. This is partly because the condition is difficult to treat and there is no single way of treating it that everyone can turn to.
Each case is unique and the sufferer must look for a way to treat it that works the best for them.
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