Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is a common condition that affects both adults and children. Also known as teeth grinding or clenching, bruxism is an involuntary condition linked to a variety of other concerns, including stress and misaligned teeth.

Treating Bruxism

When left untreated, grinding or clenching your teeth can cause damage to your enamel, as well as the jaw and surrounding structures. In severe cases, it can lead to fractures or tooth loss. Bruxism often occurs while sleeping and can go unnoticed for long periods of time. If your dentist identifies signs of grinding or clenching, they can recommend a treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms and protect your smile from further damage.

Understanding Bruxism

Bruxism refers to a condition in which individuals clench or grind their teeth while awake or asleep. In most cases, patients are unaware of clenching or grinding but may notice associated symptoms, such as:

Tooth pain or sensitivity
Pain or soreness in the jaw, neck, or face
Earaches or ringing in the ears
Sores on the insides of the cheeks or lips from biting
Restricted jaw movement
Dull headaches that start at the temples
Clicking in the jaw joints
Enlargement of the jaw muscles, called masseter hypertrophy

Your dentist may also notice wearing or damage to your teeth due to excessive pressure, such as cracks, chips, loose teeth, or flattening of the chewing surfaces. If you have a sleeping partner, they may hear clicking, grinding, gnashing, or other sounds that are indicative of bruxism.

Causes of Teeth Grinding

While the exact reasons for bruxism are not fully understood, it is likely caused by a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors. A common cause of grinding and clenching in adults is stress. Misalignment of your teeth can also result in bruxism. Bruxism is especially common in young children and usually resolves before adulthood. Of course, adults can develop the condition as well. There are several risk factors for bruxism, such as:

Certain medications
Consumption of tobacco, caffeine, or alcohol
Recreational drug use
Negative feelings, such as stress, tension, and anger
Family history
Medical conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
Sleep-related disorders, such as sleep apnea

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What Are the Effects of Bruxism?

In some cases, grinding and clenching are so mild that treatment is not required. However, the constant pressure exerted on your teeth and jaw muscles can lead to serious health concerns. The consequences of untreated bruxism can include:

Damage to teeth, restorations, and the jaw
Persistent headaches
Severe facial or jaw pain
Loose teeth
Tooth loss

Receding gums
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
Insomnia

In some cases, the effects of bruxism fade as soon as the condition is treated. By lessening pressure on your teeth, for example, you can reduce or eliminate issues such as sensitivity and pain. However, damage to your teeth can have long-term or even permanent effects and require additional dental treatments in the future.

Bruxism Treatment Options

Your dentist can examine your oral health and determine the optimal treatment plan for you. For some patients, reducing their stress levels can provide sufficient relief from grinding and clenching. However, in many cases, treatment is required.

Oral Appliance Therapy

There are a few ways to protect your teeth from the forces of grinding and clenching. Your dentist may recommend a custom night guard to wear while you sleep. This treatment is especially helpful if your bruxism symptoms mainly occur at night. In addition, splinting can redistribute the force of your bite by connecting multiple teeth together. Your dentist can place a temporary or permanent splint depending on your needs.

Orthodontics or Bite Adjustments

When your teeth do not fit together properly, you unconsciously adjust your bite throughout the day in an attempt to find a comfortable position. This process can cause you to grind or clench. If your symptoms are due to misalignment, orthodontic treatment or another form of bite adjustment can help reduce or eliminate bruxism.

Medications

If your bruxism does not respond to other treatments, your dentist may recommend that you take a muscle relaxant before bed. Additionally, if your clenching or grinding is related to anxiety, your doctor may prescribe a medication to relieve stress. Bruxism is also a side effect of certain medications. Switching to a different prescription may alleviate your issues.

BOTOX® Injections

There is some evidence to suggest that injection of BOTOX, a form of botulinum toxin, can help patients with severe bruxism that does not respond to other treatments. Since BOTOX limits muscle movement, it may be able to help reduce your symptoms. BOTOX injections are a temporary solution for bruxism and will require ongoing treatment.

Treating Underlying Conditions

Bruxism caused by another medical condition, such as sleep apnea or GERD, may be resolved by simply treating the underlying condition. Be sure to provide your dentist with your full medical history so they can identify possible causes of your clenching or grinding.

How to Prevent Bruxism

There are a few home-care techniques that can help prevent clenching and grinding, including:

Stress reduction and anxiety management techniques, such as meditation
Limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evenings
Special exercises to ease jaw tension
Developing a regular sleeping schedule

These methods may not work for everyone, especially if your bruxism is severe. Your dentist can evaluate your oral and overall health and recommend solutions tailored to your specific needs. Bruxism can have damaging effects, but the condition can be treated. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about how you can find relief.