Author: John Carter

Bruxism: Causes, Complications, and Treatments

In his study, Hartmann 35 followed four adult patients, all moderate “social” drinkers, for periods ranging from four to 12 months. Each patient exhibited a history of moderate bruxism over several years. The study found a close correlation between episodes of bruxism, reported by bed partners, and alcohol intake. On days without alcohol consumption, bruxism was reported as absent or mild, while days with moderate or heavy alcohol intake resulted in audible bruxism disturbing bed partners. One patient’s case demonstrated a consistent parallel between bruxism and alcohol usage over alternating one-week periods of abstinence and moderate consumption. Sleep bruxism is particularly intriguing in the context of alcohol abuse.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal: Timeline and Signs of Danger

If this is the case, treatment for that condition may go hand-in-hand with alleviating bruxism. Most treatments for bruxism are intended to stop or reduce the habit itself. However, protecting teeth from damage and restoring already damaged teeth can also be important goals. Some antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Seroxat), may also increase bruxism.

Dental Restorations

The association between alcohol abuse and bruxism raises concerns about compounded dental and health consequences in individuals who experience both conditions. Proper management of bruxism is crucial to prevent the progression of dental problems and mitigate the impact of alcohol-induced bruxism episodes 28, 35. The systematic review will present a summary of the identified studies, including the study design, characteristics of the study populations, and key findings related to the association between bruxism and alcohol abuse. The potential mechanisms underlying this relationship will also be explored. Finally, the implications of this association for clinical practice and further research will be discussed. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Lilacs, Scopus and Web of Science, will be conducted to identify relevant studies published up to the knowledge cutoff date in January 2023.

Management and Treatment

Quickly this turned into a passion to help others that led to study the treatment industry top to bottom. He learned state statutes and regulations, and studied counseling practices from several angles. Lyle was VP of a 6-county homeless coalition and a founding member of the Mental Health Action Team in Miami-Dade County. He has served as a Consultant & Licensure Specialist to numerous facilities and has served as a Drug Court Panel member. Consistent and quality sleep is vital to addiction recovery and is especially important during alcohol detox.

What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

As our brain adjusts, we may experience mental and emotional symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, confusion, and hallucinations. Shivering and teeth chattering are both possible symptoms of drug or alcohol withdrawal. Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, is a common symptom of stress, anxiety, and panic. These seizures have indicators (warning signs) including muscle rigidity, loss of bowel or bladder control, difficulty breathing, jaw or teeth clenching, and uncontrollable biting of the tongue or cheek. People with alcohol use disorder should be monitored by a medical professional when withdrawing from alcohol.

Stimulants and Prescription Drugs

1. Blood pressure, pulse, and alcohol breath analysis should be obtained whenever possible.
2. When most people think of a seizure they picture what is known as a grand mal seizure — this is when a person suffers from violent muscle contractions that cause a brief loss of consciousness.
3. Most people with mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal don’t need treatment in a hospital.
4. For mild to moderate drinkers, these effects tend to peak after 72 hours and subside between days five and seven.

People who drink daily or almost every day should not be left alone for the first few days after stopping alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms can quickly go from a bad hangover to a serious medical situation. However, medical complications can occur during the acute phase of withdrawal. Remember you are facing a difficult challenge during alcohol withdrawal, but you are not alone. There are many resources available to help, including peer support groups, counseling, therapy, and inpatient rehabilitation.

Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature are also closely monitored by detox center staff since sudden changes in any of these readings can quickly lead to medical distress. The risk of experiencing alcohol withdrawal seizures is highest within 48 to 96 hours after quitting alcohol, as are the chances of suffering from severe agitation and vivid hallucinations. We can more effectively prevent seizures from alcohol withdrawal by drinking in moderation, taking a more gradual approach to quitting rather than quitting cold-turkey, and exploring supported detox. Approximately 90% of alcohol withdrawal seizures occur within the first 48 hours after stopping drinking.

Bruxism, derived from the Greek word “brychein,” meaning “to grind or gnash the teeth,” is a repetitive jaw-muscle activity involving clenching or grinding of the teeth 9. It is a condition that can manifest during wakefulness (awake bruxism) and during sleep (sleep bruxism) 9. Awake bruxism is often characterized by teeth clenching and grinding during periods of wakefulness, which may be subconsciously or consciously driven 9. Sleep bruxism, on the other hand, occurs during various sleep stages and is primarily characterized by rhythmic or non-rhythmic contractions of the masticatory muscles and grinding of the teeth 9. As our body adjusts, we might experience physical withdrawal symptoms such as headache, nausea, increased heart rate, tremors, and excessive sweating.

Each of these symptoms can increase in intensity depending on the severity of the withdrawal. With regard to the bias due to confounding only the study by Kaczynski shows a low risk of bias. The first step towards taking control over your life is admitting you need help dealing with your alcohol abuse. Here at FHE Health, we know what it takes to get started on the road to recovery and the support you need to stay sober. Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.