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Overview – What is Bruxism or Teeth Grinding?

Do you grind your teeth while sleeping or in an awake state? It is a dental disorder known as bruxism, commonly referred to as teeth grinding. You unknowingly engage in teeth grinding and jaw clenching if you have bruxism.

There are 2 types of bruxism: sleep bruxism and awake bruxism. You might have lots of doubts if you are going through this disorder. This post answers all your questions, including why you grind your teeth at night, what causes it, how to stop it, and what happens if bruxism is left untreated. Let’s get started!

Why is Bruxism Harmful?

If your teeth grinding is severe and frequent, it can lead to numerous harmful complications. The pressure it puts on your jaw muscles and tissues can result in jaw pain, sore gums, popping of jaw joints, tooth loss, and TMJ disorder.

Another cause of worry is that bruxism affects the younger generation more than the older one. The lowest rate of bruxism is in people aged over 65 years.

Moreover, many kids suffer from grinding teeth and jaw clenching. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of childhood bruxism. 38% of parents of children under 17 confirmed that their kids grind their teeth.

What are the Causes of Bruxism?

The answer to the question of what makes you grind your teeth is not straightforward. Different people have different triggers of bruxism. Check out the following leading causes of bruxism. Does any of them ring a bell to you?

  1. Stress & Anxiety:It is one of the most common causes of bruxism, especially sleep bruxism. Patients under stress often don’t realize that they are grinding their teeth.

  2. AgeGenerally, young children are affected by bruxism. It is not always severe and can go away on its own with age.

  3. Medication & DrugsPsychiatric medicines like antidepressants can cause teeth grinding as a side effect. Recreational drugs also lead to bruxism.

  4. Poor Lifestyle ChoicesSmoking tobacco, overconsumption of alcohol, and caffeinated beverages can also make you grind your teeth.

  5. Family HistoryFamily history is also a leading cause of bruxism. If your parents or any other family member has a history of bruxism, there is a chance that you may get it too.

  6. Medical DisordersBruxism can also result from mental health conditions like Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

What are the Types of Bruxism?

There are two main types:

  1. Sleep Bruxism

    When you grind or clench your teeth during sleep or often outside conscious awareness, it is sleep bruxism.

  2. Awake Bruxism

    This condition occurs during the day, presenting with the same symptoms as sleep bruxism. The only difference is that awake bruxism is triggered during the day, often because of stress, concentration, or anxiety.

Difference Between Sleep Bruxism and Awake Bruxism

Check out this table for further clarity:-

Features Sleep Bruxism Awake Bruxism
Awareness None (occurs during sleep) Usually aware during grinding
Triggers Stress, sleep disorders Stress, concentration, and habits
Timing Night time Day time
Treatment approach Night guard, sleep hygiene Stress management, behavior change
Symptoms Morning headache, jaw pain Jaw tension, tooth wear

When to See a Doctor

Early intervention can prevent more serious issues. If you experience any of the symptoms described in this article, visit your dentist to check for bruxism. So, don’t ignore the Schedule a dental appointment if you:

  • Regularly wake up with jaw pain or headaches
  • Notice worn or chipped teeth
  • Have persistent earaches, neck pain, or sleep disruption
  • Suspect you grind your teeth (confirmed by a partner or dentist)
  • Have risk factors like stress, medical disorder, family history, etc.

How is Bruxism Diagnosed?

  1. Symptom Evaluation

    If you have prominent and clear symptoms of teeth grinding, doctors or dentists can immediately start treatment for bruxism.

  2. Determination of Causes/Risk Factors

    If you have any risk factors that contribute to teeth grinding, such as stress or anxiety combined with bruxism symptoms, the dentist may begin evaluating your likelihood of experiencing teeth grinding.

  3. Sleep Study

    An overnight sleep study in a sleep clinic can be performed on you to diagnose sleep bruxism. This study, known as polysomnography, is performed by a sleep medicine specialist. It is the most conclusive way to detect bruxism and other sleep disorders as well.

How is Bruxism Treated?

The right treatment approach for bruxism depends on the cause of the grinding and its severity. It typically combines dental tools, stress management techniques, lifestyle modifications, and occasionally, medical interventions. Below are some of the most effective ways dentists and doctors help manage and relieve symptoms of bruxism.

  1. Stress Reduction

    If stress is causing bruxism, the doctor might suggest some stress reduction techniques. You can’t eliminate stress and anxiety. But you can reduce your exposure to stressful situations and your negative response towards them through therapy.

  2. Medications

    Some drugs can alter the brain chemically and reduce muscle activity. It helps to stop grinding teeth. Remember to discuss the possible side effects of these medications with your doctor before taking them.

  3. Mouthpieces

    Custom night guards are specially designed mouthpieces created by your dentist to fit your teeth perfectly. Unlike over-the-counter options, these guards are molded to your mouth for maximum comfort and protection. They act like a cushion between your upper and lower teeth to prevent the damage caused by sleep bruxism.

  4. Symptom Relief

    These simple lifestyle habits can offer noticeable relief from the discomfort caused by teeth grinding or clenching:

    • Gentle Jaw Stretches and Massage: Performing light stretching exercises for your jaw can help improve flexibility and reduce tightness. Pair that with a gentle massage around your jaw joints (especially near the ears) to help relax overworked muscles.
    • Warm Compresses on Jaw Muscles: Applying a warm towel or heating pad to the sides of your jaw can soothe soreness and improve blood circulation. This helps reduce muscle stiffness and pain, especially before bedtime.
    • Curaprox-Recommended Oral Care Techniques: Dentists often recommend using ultra-soft toothbrushes, such as those from Curaprox, to reduce pressure during brushing. Combined with proper brushing angles and gentle motions, these techniques help minimize unnecessary strain on your jaw and facial muscles.

  5. Botulinum Toxin Injections (Botox)

    If you suffer from severe or persistent bruxism that doesn’t respond to mouthguards or lifestyle changes, Botox injections can be a helpful option. Botox works by temporarily relaxing the overactive jaw muscles, specifically the masseter muscle, which causes clenching. It helps to relieve pain, prevent further tooth damage, and improve overall jaw function.

What Happens If Bruxism Is Left Untreated?

Ignoring bruxism can lead to a range of health and wellness problems over time. Here’s what can happen if it goes unmanaged:

  1. Tooth Pain or SensitivityConstant grinding puts pressure on your teeth, wearing down the protective enamel that covers them. This can make your teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods.

  2. Loss of EnamelOver time, the friction from grinding can erode your enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth. Its loss leaves your teeth more vulnerable to decay and damage.

  3. Tight or Sore Jaw Muscles
    Since the jaw is constantly working overtime, you may feel stiffness or soreness, especially when you wake up.

  4. Chipped, Cracked, or Broken TeethExcessive grinding can weaken your teeth and lead to visible damage that may require fillings, crowns, or even extractions.

  5. Frequent Headaches or EarachesThe tension in your jaw muscles often radiates upward, leading to dull, tension-style headaches and pain around the ears.

  6. Neck and Facial PainBruxism Doesn’t Just Affect Your Mouth. It can cause discomfort in surrounding areas, such as your neck, temples, and face.

  7. Disrupted SleepThe muscle tension and grinding noises (often heard by a partner) can interfere with deep, restful sleep for both you and those around you.

  8. TMJ DisordersProlonged bruxism can damage the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect your jaw to your skull. This may result in clicking sounds, difficulty opening your mouth, or even jaw locking.

What Are the Home Remedies to Stop Clenching Teeth?

These lifestyle changes can help reduce teeth grinding:

  • Avoid alcohol and smoking as much as you can. It is best if you can stop it entirely.
  • Limit your intake of caffeinated drinks.
  • Don’t attempt to chew on anything complicated, for example, don’t try to crack a nut with your teeth.
  • Strive to be mentally strong to control your urge to clench your jaw and grind your teeth.
  • Keep your jaw muscles as relaxed as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Is teeth grinding genetic?

    Yes, it is a possibility. Bruxism can be inherited, indicating a genetic predisposition.

  2. Do children grind their teeth?

    Grinding teeth is common in kids. It occurs when they are growing baby teeth and also when they start to get their permanent teeth. There is a fair chance that this habit might disappear once all their adult or permanent teeth have fully erupted. But in any case, it is better to get their dental check-up done.

  3. What are the specific ways to stop bruxism in children?

    The following are some time-tested ways to stop bruxism in children:-

    • Work on decreasing your kid’s stress levels.
    • Practice bedtime relaxation techniques (stories, calming music). Also, maintain a soothing sleep environment (low light, minimal noise).
    • Take your kids for a timely dental check-up.
    • Ask your dentist about treatment options for children who grind their teeth. According to the age of your kids and the severity of the disorder, the dentist may prescribe crowns or night guards.
    • Dehydration is also sometimes linked to teeth grinding. So, ensure your children drink plenty of water.
    • Teach them jaw massage and jaw stretching exercises to relax their muscles.
    • Use a custom-fitted night guard.

  4. Which teeth are most affected by grinding?

    Damage from bruxism is often seen on the outer edges of the upper front teeth, specifically the central and lateral incisors. In cases of teeth grinding, the wear on the canines tends to curve forward toward the front (labial) side of the cusp tip, while normal chewing usually causes wear that extends more toward the back (lingual) side.

  5. Can teeth grinding be stopped?

    Yes. While complete prevention, especially during sleep, may not be guaranteed, you can significantly reduce grinding with a combination of stress management, lifestyle adjustment, mouthguards, and dental treatment.

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