Bruxism (Teeth Grinding ): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Bruxism or teeth grinding is the unconscious excessive grinding, clenching or gnashing of the teeth. It is a common behaviour that can lead to dental problems. Some people grind their teeth during sleep (sleep bruxism), while others do it when they are awake (awake bruxism). Generally, people don't realise that they are clenching their teeth during sleep.
People sleeping beside them are mostly the first ones to find out about this habit as they can hear their teeth grinding sound at night. Bruxism in sleep (sleep bruxism) is a sleep disorder. People with this disorder are more vulnerable to have other sleeping problems, like snoring and pauses in breathing (sleep apnea). Mild bruxism does not need any treatment. But in some people clenching can be persistent and severe to cause jaw disorders, damaged teeth, headaches and other health problems.
Types of Bruxism
Sleep Bruxism
Sleep bruxism is the grinding of the teeth while asleep. It’s categorized as a sleep-related movement disorder, which means that it’s linked to other conditions, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.
Key features of Sleep Bruxism:
- Occurs involuntarily while you sleep.
- Frequently seen with other night-time symptoms like snoring or clenching of the jaw.
- Can result in sore jaws, headaches or damage to the teeth and tongue.
Impact of Sleep Bruxism on Teeth and Tongue:
Frequent grinding of the teeth causes the enamel to wear down, which can lead the teeth to become more sensitive. Moreover, those who experience more severe bruxism while asleep may unconsciously bite their tongue, leading to cuts or sores.
Key signs You should look for Sleep Bruxism:
- Awakening with sore jaw muscles or headaches.
- Worn, chipped, or sensitive teeth.
- Jaw pain making it hard to sleep.
Awake Bruxism
Awake bruxism, as the name suggests, happens when you're awake. It’s often linked to emotional states like stress, anxiety, or deep concentration.
Key Features of Awake Bruxism:
- Occurs consciously, often during activities requiring focus.
- Tends to be less intense than sleep bruxism but can still lead to complications.
How Awake Bruxism Affects Your Oral Health:
Although less severe than sleep bruxism, frequent clenching can strain the jaw muscles and increase the risk of teeth sensitivity over time. It may also lead to mild tongue irritation if the tongue rubs against the teeth during clenching.
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Get A Second OpinionTeeth Grinding Symptoms
Bruxism symptoms can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:
- Grinding or clenching teeth, which can make a loud noise to wake up someone sleeping beside.
- Irregular shaped teeth that are fractured, flattened, chipped or loose.
- Tense facial and jaw muscles
- Tongue indentations
- Facial pain
- Damage to the inside of the cheek
- Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
- Sleep disorders
- Headaches
- Dislocation of the jaw
- Locking of the jaw
Bruxism Causes
The bruxism risk factors include:
- Stress: Increased stress, anxiety, anger or frustration can result in teeth grinding.
- Age: Teeth clenching habit is usually observed in young children, and it disappears by adulthood.
- Personality: A person with a competitive, aggressive or hyperactive personality can be at an increased risk of bruxism.
- Medications: Some psychiatric drugs may have a rare side effect that causes people to clench their teeth. The risk of bruxism may also rise by using recreational drugs, smoking tobacco and drinking caffeinated beverages or alcohol.
- Family history: Sleep bruxism is observed in families. People are more likely to suffer from teeth grinding if their parents or siblings also had the same habit of bruxism.
- Other health disorders: Bruxism can be associated with certain mental health problems such as parkinson's disease, epilepsy, dementia, night terrors, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) and sleep disorders including sleep apnea, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Bruxism in Children
Bruxism is the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth in children. Bruxism in Children can result in tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches and even sleep disruption. While it’s not always dangerous, chronic bruxism should get your attention.
Causes of Bruxism in Children
Knowing the causes of bruxism in children can help parents better handle this issue and keep their children’s mouths healthy.
- In fact, the same common cause of stress or anxiety. Children may also grind their teeth due to emotional stress, including changes at school, family issues or new routines.
- Another thing that could potentially contribute to that is sleep disorders. Sleep apnea or broken sleep is one condition which can be responsible for triggering bruxism episodes. Routine habits or reactions to pain, like earaches or teething, can lead younger children to grind their teeth unconsciously as well.
- Bruxism may also be a result of certain neurological conditions or medications. Children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or those taking certain medications, for instance, may be more susceptible to nightly teeth grinding.
Diagnosis of Teeth-grinding
The dentist will conduct a regular dental examination to check for bruxism teeth and if required will perform a dental X-ray examination.
If there are any signs of bruxism, the dental doctor will monitor changes in a patient's teeth and mouth over the next several visits to check if the grinding process is progressive. Accordingly, the dentist will advise a treatment plan.
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Book an AppointmentBruxism Treatment
If the dentist confirms that the patient has bruxism, the doctor will inquire about the general dental health, medications, daily lifestyle habits and sleeping schedules.
- The dentist may fit a night guard (‘bite splint’) for teeth and may prescribe a muscle relaxant to take before bedtime to help relax the jaw muscles and stop night-time grinding.
- For some people suffering from severe grinding and who don't respond to other treatments methods, botox injections may give relief.
- The healthcare provider may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to reduce stress factors or other emotional issues causing bruxism.
- Treatment for risk factors such as epilepsy, parkinson’s disease, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and sleep disorders.
Management of bruxism can include:
- Stress management therapy
- Cognitive behaviour therapy
- Relaxation techniques
- Hypnotherapy
- Good sleep hygiene
- Regular exercise
- Repair tooth damage
Bruxism Treatment at Home
- Stress Management: Stress has a major effect on teeth grinding in sleep. Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing or yoga to relieve tension.
- Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to your jaw can relax the muscles, reducing the urge to clench.
- Jaw Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises for the jaw can relieve tension and improve mobility.
Effective Teeth Grinding Treatment Options
- Bruxism Mouth Guard or Night Guard: Using a specially designed bruxism night guard can protect your teeth from damage during sleep. These are available over the counter or custom-made by dentists.
- Home Remedies for Bruxism: Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, as they can worsen grinding. Maintain good sleep hygiene by establishing a relaxing bedtime routine.
Additional Tips for Grinding Teeth in Sleep
- If grinding persists, consult a dentist for a custom-fit bruxism mouth guard, which offers superior protection and comfort.
- Address misaligned teeth with dental correction options if recommended by your dentist.
By incorporating these home remedies for bruxism and professional treatments, you can reduce symptoms, protect your teeth, and sleep peacefully. Start by exploring the most suitable bruxism treatment at home for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition characterized by the involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, often occurring during sleep. In some cases, it can also happen while awake.
What are the causes of bruxism?
Bruxism can be caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, an abnormal bite, certain medications, sleep disorders, and lifestyle habits.
How do I know if I have bruxism?
Common signs of bruxism include frequent headaches, jaw pain, worn-down teeth, tooth sensitivity, and disrupted sleep. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's advisable to consult a dentist.
Can bruxism cause trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia may also be aggravated by bruxism, as jaw clenching may put a strain on or irri-tate the trigeminal nerve. Controlling bruxism through stress reduction, use of a mouth guard, or dental interventions can minimize risk for nerve pain.
Can bruxism cause headaches?
Bruxism can cause tension headaches due to increased tension on the jaw and related tissues. This type of headache is typically experienced in the temples or behind the eyes, and can often be mitigated by using a night guard or targeting stress-related triggers.
How to treat bruxism in adults?
The first is through installing a bruxism night guard as a form of treatment for bruxism in adults, and the other is to manage stress through relaxation techniques, and the last one is treating underlaying dental issues. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol and improving your sleep hygiene can also help reduce grinding.
What is sleep bruxism?
Sleep bruxism refers to times when people grind or clench their teeth while they sleep. Bruxism is also classified as a sleep-related movement disorder, and if not managed effectively, can cause dental damage, muscular pain in the jaw and a decrease in the quality of sleep.
Can bruxism cause neck pain?
Yes, bruxism can lead to neck pain as the tension caused by grinding the teeth can be transferred to the surrounding muscles, affecting the neck. Stretching, warm compresses, and the use of a mouth guard can help alleviate discomfort.
