What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth excessively, when you’re not eating. It’s a fairly common issue, affecting between 8-31% of the population. This involuntary habit can occur both during the day and at night and can have various forms and severities. If you're struggling with bruxism, Affordable Dentures & Implants can help. Schedule a consultation with our expert team to explore treatment options and find relief from teeth grinding.
Types of Bruxism Movements
- Clenching: This involves holding your teeth tightly together. While it might seem harmless, prolonged clenching can lead to muscle fatigue and tooth damage.
Grinding: Characterized by rubbing your teeth against each other, grinding often occurs subconsciously, especially during sleep. This can wear down enamel and cause significant dental issues.
- Tapping: This involves the repeated bringing together of the teeth. While less common, it can still contribute to jaw discomfort and dental problems.
Understanding the different types of bruxism is crucial for identifying the signs early and seeking appropriate treatment. Left unchecked, bruxism can lead to a range of issues, from mild discomfort to severe dental damage. If you suspect you may be experiencing any form of bruxism, consult with a dental professional to explore preventive measures and treatment options. For more information on our comprehensive range of tooth replacement care, visit our dental services page.
Symptoms of Bruxism
Many people who grind their teeth are not aware that they have this habit, especially if they only do it in their sleep. However, bruxism can manifest in various symptoms that affect not just the teeth but other areas of the head and body, highlighting how oral health affects overall health.
Aching Jaw Muscles
One of the most common symptoms is sore jaw muscles. Persistent clenching can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a condition characterized by difficulty or pain when moving the jaw. If you notice your jaw popping or clicking and difficulty opening your mouth, you may have TMD. It usually resolves without treatment but can cause pain and discomfort.
Headaches
Bruxism can contribute to tension headaches, and may even trigger migraines.
Earache
The temporomandibular joint's proximity to the ear means that grinding your teeth can cause ear pain.
Dental Symptoms
Dental symptoms can include sensitive teeth, damaged crowns or fillings, worn enamel, and chipped teeth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's advisable to make an appointment with your dentist. They can often identify signs of teeth grinding during a routine examination and recommend appropriate treatment. Schedule a free consult and X-rays to get started.
The Effects On Your Teeth
Bruxism can significantly impact your dental health, causing excessive wear and tear on your teeth. The constant grinding can wear down the enamel, exposing the sensitive inner layers of your teeth. This exposure increases the risk of tooth sensitivity and makes the teeth more prone to cracks and fractures.
Bruxism can also have an impact on people who wear dentures or who have dental implants, meaning that these treatments do not last as long. The constant pressure from teeth grinding can lead to fractures or breaks, which are clear signs you need replacement dentures.
Additionally, bruxism can lead to gum recession, which can expose the roots of your teeth. As the gums recede, the stability of your teeth become weaker in the mouth. This is highly detrimental to your oral health, as it creates spaces between the gums and the teeth called "gingival pockets" where bacteria can grow. The bacterial growth can lead to further oral health issues, including periodontal disease.
The Difference Between Sleep Bruxism and Awake Bruxism
| sLEEP BRUXISM | AWAKE BRUXISM | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Movements | Clenching & grinding | Usually clenching, sometimes grinding |
| When is it painful? | Morning Pain: Pain is most severe on waking, & typically improves as the day progresses. | Progressive Pain: Pain intensifies throughout the day. |
| Is it intentional? | Involuntary | Can be semi-voluntary |
| Prevalence (general population) | 9.7–15.9% | 22.1–31% |
Causes
Prevalence in Children
Children are more likely than adults to grind their teeth, with studies showing as many as 40% of children are affected by sleep bruxism.This is particularly common among children who are restless sleepers.
Misaligned Teeth and Bite Issues
Misaligned teeth or a poor bite are also known contributors to bruxism. These dental issues can increase the likelihood of teeth grinding and clenching.
Stress and Awake Bruxism
Awake bruxism is more commonly associated with stress. Individuals dealing with high levels of stress or mental health challenges may find themselves clenching their teeth during the day.
Genetic Factors
There may also be a genetic component to bruxism. Research suggests that between 21-50% of people who grind their teeth at night have a direct family member who also did this in their childhood.
Medications and Recreational Drugs
Certain medications or recreational drugs have been linked to teeth grinding. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a certain type of antidepressant, may in some cases increase the likelihood of bruxism.
Similarly, methamphetamine use can lead to teeth grinding, resulting in damaged and cracked teeth.
Caffeine and Smoking
Even common substances like caffeine and nicotine can contribute to bruxism. Heavy smokers are reported to be twice as likely to grind their teeth. For those affected by bruxism, reducing caffeine intake and avoiding tobacco may provide some relief. In severe cases, untreated bruxism can lead to significant tooth damage, potentially necessitating tooth extraction to prevent further oral health complications.
Restoring Your Teeth After Bruxism
People who have a severe case of bruxism, or who have been grinding their teeth for a long time, may experience various types of dental damage. Fortunately, several simple procedures can help address these issues.
Teeth with a damaged surface such as chipped, cracked, or worn-down enamel can be treated with a dental crown. A crown covers the affected tooth, providing protection and restoring the natural appearance of the patient's smile.
Loose teeth need medical attention. In some cases, the only intervention needed is for the patient to stop grinding their teeth. However, if gum disease is also present, the tooth may need to be removed. In this instance, it can usually be replaced with a dental bridge or an implant.
How To Stop Grinding Your Teeth
As well as cutting down on any substances that could be contributing to bruxism, there are a few other measures people can take to alleviate symptoms.
Wearing a mouthguard at night can protect the teeth. For some people, a small dose of botulinum toxin, or Botox, injected into the masseter muscle can provide relief from teeth clenching and grinding.
For people whose daytime teeth grinding is caused or influenced by a high level of stress, lifestyle changes can help. Seeking mental health support, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can also help individuals break the habit of clenching their teeth. It's also crucial to discuss these issues with a dental health professional, who can provide guidance and treatment options while also helping to alleviate any dental anxiety you may have.
Sleep bruxism is linked to other related disorders such as sleep apnea; treating these other issues can also help reduce the occurrence of sleep bruxism.
Visit Your Dentist
If you know you’re experiencing daytime bruxism or have been told by a partner or family member that you grind your teeth when you sleep, it’s worth scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Find your affordable denture and implant practice near you.