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What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is excessive teeth grinding, clenching, and/or gnashing. If you clench your teeth unconsciously during the day, this is known as awake bruxism.
Grinding or clenching while you sleep is called sleep bruxism.
Bruxism is not related to teeth grinding that can occur while talking or eating.
People who grind their teeth are referred to as “bruxers,” but most people don’t realize they have the disorder.
Bruxism is a very common condition. About half of adults in the U.S. grind their teeth. Only 20 percent of them are considered ‘bruxers,’ which means they grind their teeth enough to destroy tooth enamel.
Men and women over 25 years of age grind their teeth more often than children. Since a child’s jaw and teeth grow quickly, tooth grinding is typically not a damaging habit. Children who develop minor bruxism usually outgrow it before pain and damage occur.
Bruxism is often more severe for adults. Some mild cases do not require treatment. However, treatment, such as a mouthguard is recommended.
If left untreated it can lead to:
- Tooth damage
- Headaches
- Jaw or facial pain
- Jaw disorders (such as TMJ)
Two Types of Bruxism
There are two types of bruxism, including:
- Sleep Bruxism (nocturnal bruxism) is when someone grinds their teeth while sleeping. This is the most common type of bruxism. This is considered a sleep-related movement disorder.
- Awake Bruxism is when someone grinds their teeth during the day. It is often associated with stress, anxiety, anger, or tension.
Causes of Bruxism
The cause of bruxism is still unknown.. Teeth grinding may be related to mental, physical, and genetic factors. Stress, respiratory infections, allergies, earaches, and certain medications have also been linked to tooth-clenching.
Some people are also more prone to developing bruxism than others. The most common factors that increase a person's risk of developing bruxism include:
- Anxiety and stress — high stress or anxiety levels can lead to increased teeth grinding when you are awake.
- Medications — certain medications, such as antidepressants, can increase teeth grinding.
- Alcohol Consumption — drinking alcohol excessively doubles a person’s chance of developing bruxism.
- Smoking — smokers are twice as likely to develop bruxism since nicotine releases dopamine. People who do not smoke have a lower chance of developing the condition.
- Caffeinated beverages — excessive caffeine consumption speeds up the heart rate and releases dopamine, which may be linked to excessive teeth grinding.
- Drugs — stimulants, such as cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines, can cause severe awake and sleep bruxism. These drugs can also damage tooth structure and cause cavities over time.
- Genetics — sleep bruxism tends to occur in families, which means the condition can be passed down through generations.
- Disorders — dementia, Parkinson’s disease, night terrors, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are commonly linked to bruxism. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is also a risk factor of bruxism.
- Age — bruxism becomes more common as people age. Some children may develop the condition, but it is less common than adults.
Bruxism vs. TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorder is a condition that causes pain and improper functioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It can also affect the muscles that attach the lower jaw and skull.
Bruxism is a common side effect of TMJ. However, bruxism can also cause, worsen, or turn into TMJ over time.
Symptoms of Bruxism
Common symptoms of bruxism include:
- Tooth clenching and grinding
- Headaches, which typically start in the temples
- Earaches
- Sore jaw muscles
- Soreness in the face and neck
- Lockjaw, which is when the mouth cannot open or close completely
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw when chewing
- Loss of tooth enamel (tooth wear)
- Flattened out teeth
- Damage to cavity fillings
- Fractured, loose, or chipped teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tooth pain due to worn down enamel
- Chewed cheeks
- Tongue indentations
Risk Factors of Untreated Bruxism
Untreated bruxism can lead to both minor and severe dental issues. Common bruxism-related conditions include:
- Jaw disorders, such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
- Severe facial pain
- Frequent headaches and pain in the temples
- Damage to tooth enamel, crowns, and dental restorations
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Shortened teeth due to enamel loss
- Tooth loss
Treatment Options for Bruxism
Some treatment options for bruxism include:
Mouth Guards and Splints
Mouth guards and splints help with teeth positioning and jaw alignment, especially while sleeping. Bruxism mouth guards are made of hard acrylic because heavy bruxers will grind through soft ones.
These mouth guards are custom-made for every patient. They protect your teeth from grinding, clenching, and gnashing, while also relieving jaw pain and discomfort.
Dental Corrections
Regular dental exams (twice a year) can help catch damage caused by bruxism. If a patient’s teeth are cracked, misaligned, or teeth are missing, restorative treatment is necessary.
Dental crowns or dentures may be recommended, depending on the severity of bruxism damage.
Medications
Medications are an effective treatment option for bruxism. Common medications include:
- Muscle relaxants
- Sleep medicine
- Botox injections
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antidepressants
Stress Management Treatment
If bruxism is linked to stress, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, your doctor may recommend:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Behavioral therapies
- Stress management therapy
- Biofeedback treatment
- Relaxation techniques
Treating Associated Conditions
If your bruxism symptoms are linked to another sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, your dentist may recommend treating that condition first.
This is the same for medications and any underlying medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Ways to Stop Clenching Your Teeth
The best thing to do if you experience discomfort from teeth grinding is to visit your dentist.
A custom-fitted mouth guard will be sufficient treatment for most cases of bruxism. These are also available from direct-to-consumer companies such as ProTeethGuard.
However, there are several things you can do to try to decrease teeth clenching habits, including:
- Reduce your caffeine intake by avoiding coffee, sodas, and chocolate.
- Stop consuming alcohol, which is associated with increased clenching.
- Avoid chewing gum and other substances such as pens. This muscle activity makes you more likely to clench your teeth.
- Place your tongue between your teeth when you feel yourself clenching your jaw. This will help train your muscles to relax.
- Reduce stress, which is one of the biggest factors in teeth and jaw clenching.
