Bruxism

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, gnashing or clenching your teeth. It can occur during the day (awake bruxism) or at night (sleep bruxism). Many people are unaware they have this condition, especially if it occurs during sleep.

Types of Bruxism

There are two main types of bruxism:

• Awake bruxism: Occurs during the day, often unconsciously while concentrating or during stressful situations
• Sleep bruxism: Occurs during sleep, often associated with sleep disorders and may be related to arousals during sleep

Causes of Bruxism

The exact cause of bruxism is not always clear, but several factors may contribute:

• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
• Side effects of certain medications
• Alcohol, caffeine, or recreational drug use
• Misaligned teeth or jaw
• Family history of bruxism
• Certain medical conditions like Parkinson's disease

Symptoms of Bruxism

Common signs and symptoms of bruxism include:

• Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to wake your sleep partner
• Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose
• Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
• Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
• Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won't open or close completely
• Jaw, neck, or face pain or soreness
• Pain that feels like an earache, though it's actually not a problem with your ear
• Dull headache starting in the temples
• Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek

Complications of Bruxism

If left untreated, bruxism can lead to several complications:

• Damage to your teeth, restorations, crowns, or jaw
• Tension-type headaches
• Severe facial or jaw pain
• Disorders that occur in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), located just in front of your ears
• Sleep disruption for you and your bed partner

Treatment Options

Treatment for bruxism depends on the cause and severity. Options include:

• Mouthguards and splints: Custom-fitted dental appliances that protect teeth from grinding
• Dental correction: In severe cases, reshaping the chewing surfaces of your teeth or using crowns
• Stress management: Learning relaxation techniques, meditation, or counseling
• Behavior therapy: Learning to rest your tongue, teeth, and lips properly
• Biofeedback: Using electronic instruments to measure muscle activity and teach you to control muscle activity
• Medication: In some cases, muscle relaxants or Botox injections may be recommended

Prevention Tips

While you can't always prevent bruxism, these steps may help:

• Reduce stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially in the evening
• Practice good sleep hygiene
• Schedule regular dental checkups
• Talk to your sleep partner about any grinding sounds
• Consider a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night

When to See a Dentist

You should see your dentist if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Teeth that are worn, damaged, or sensitive
• Jaw, face, or ear pain
• Someone tells you that you make grinding sounds while sleeping
• Limited mouth opening
• Headaches that start in your temples