SRUTI
If you can believe this, British researchers have actually worked out an equation to measure your sense of well-being. Happiness equals P + 5E + 3H. personal characteristics (perceptions on life, adaptability and resilience), plus five times your existence needs (health, money and relationships), plus three times your higher order needs (self esteem, expectations and sense of humour). Today if one can handle stress, as there is no disease or condition that is not indirectly linked to it, one is already on the route to happiness.

What is bruxism ?
We use teeth to chew and grind food. But when one grits and grinds teeth for no particular reason, it is then referred to as bruxism. The person is usually unaware of the fact that he is grinding his teeth; it can be nocturnal or during day. Psychological and emotional stresses are the chief causes of bruxism, apart from jaw discrepancies and interferences in the bite.

What does it lead to ?
Constant grinding causes wearing away of teeth and these wear facets can be observed. Teeth become loose; sometimes they fracture, as do fillings. Often there is pain in the jaws and in the temporomandibular joint radiating to the ears.

Diagnosis and care:
The first hint generally comes from the family; the complaint being that there was a steady chatter in the night. It could go unnoticed also. Electromyographic examination is carried out to test hyper-activity of the chewing muscles.

One bruxism is confirmed, appropriate psychological counseling by psychiatrist is advised. Relaxing exercise and massage help relieve muscle tension. Adjustments in the bite are carried out to eliminate discrepancies and a night guard, if needed, which is an appliance that covers the biting surfaces of all teeth, is worn in the night, and is instrumental in controlling as well as preventing further damage.
So don’t grind away your teeth, just keep them healthy and shining.

The author is dental surgeon and can be contacted at ALL SMILES DENTAL CLINIC, 26673439, 9845085290.