How to Overcome Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) in Autistic Individuals?

What is Bruxism in Autism?
Bruxism, which is the grinding or clenching of teeth, is often observed in individuals with autism. Typically, this occurs during sleep but can also happen while awake. The issue is primarily dental, as it leads to wear and tear on the teeth, damage, and enamel cracking. However, bruxism also has other aspects that need to be considered.

The Causes of Bruxism in Autistic Individuals
Bruxism arises in people who constantly experience psycho-emotional stress, have a negative emotional outlook, and show deviations in the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems, often suffering from neurological and motor disorders. Autistic individuals are particularly prone to this condition due to their constant exposure to stress, anxiety, and other hidden factors. They have difficulty coping with changes or excessive stimulation, and teeth grinding can be a way for them to gain control over themselves in stressful situations or to escape from them.

Additionally, one possible cause, according to some studies, is acid reflux, which many autistic individuals experience due to poor eating habits. They often prefer certain foods that are not always healthy, neglecting others.

Somatic Therapy as a Solution
Somatic therapy plays a key role in combating bruxism and is recognized as an effective treatment, especially when stress-related issues and sensory processing difficulties are identified. This therapeutic approach is based on the idea that the body and mind are interconnected and involves improving overall health and enhancing emotional regulation skills through exercises and relaxation techniques. Surprisingly, the most beneficial strategies often include:

• Breathing exercises
• Head rotations
• Jaw muscle massage to relieve tension

Furthermore, somatic therapy includes various types of sensory integration that help children adjust to sensations in their mouths, making it easier for them to accept the use of mouthguards to prevent teeth grinding.

A Comprehensive Approach to Treating Bruxism in Autistic Children
Treating bruxism in children with autism requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both physical and emotional aspects. It involves not only visiting a dentist but also seeing a psychologist and creating a conducive environment for restful sleep.

The first step is to reduce stress. Calming activities such as reading, listening to soft music, and light exercises in the evening (but not right before sleep) can be helpful. If the child grinds their teeth during the day, it’s essential to identify the stressful situations or triggers and discuss them with a therapist. Furthermore, acid reflux might be a contributing factor, though the link between this condition and bruxism remains speculative.

Using a Mouthguard and Addressing Stress
The easiest way to address bruxism is to have the child wear a mouthguard until the teeth grinding stops. However, it’s important not to expect this behavior to disappear as long as stress factors continue to provoke an intense response from the autistic individual. To normalize behavior, it is necessary to address the underlying cause—autism spectrum disorders (ASD)—although bruxism is not a direct result of these disorders.

Cell Therapy: A Modern Solution
Recently, cell therapy has gained widespread recognition as a treatment for autism. This method involves the transplantation of the patient’s own stem cells, which eliminates the risk of rejection. The stem cells transform into healthy counterparts for those that were damaged, which is often why the brain cannot function properly. As a result, the brain begins to perceive the world as it truly is, and the symptoms of autism either disappear or are significantly reduced.

Leading Clinics in Cell Therapy
One of the leaders in the field of cell therapy is the Mardaleishvili Medical Center, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly qualified specialists. This clinic has a wealth of successful experience in using this new, safe, and highly effective autism treatment, providing fast and noticeable positive results. Additional benefits for patients include lower service costs compared to other countries and comprehensive support throughout the treatment process, starting with travel planning.

To take advantage of modern medical advancements, simply fill out the contact form!