Bruxism is when you clench, grind, or gnash your teeth. It usually occurs subconsciously and can happen when you’re awake or asleep. Many people grind their teeth occasionally, especially during stressful periods. However, frequent teeth grinding can strain your teeth and jaws, leading to dental damage, headaches, jaw pain, and other issues.
Bruxism, a condition that can affect anyone, is most commonly observed during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The prevalence of teeth grinding, especially during sleep, makes it a shared experience among many.
Symptoms and Causes
Bruxism Symptoms
If you grind your teeth frequently, you might develop symptoms such as:
- Headaches or facial pain, especially in the morning.
- Earaches.
- Sore jaw muscles.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Pain when eating.
-
Difficulty opening and closing your mouth.
Types of Bruxism
Bruxism can occur when you’re awake or asleep. The grinding action is the same, but awake and asleep bruxism are two distinct conditions:
Awake bruxism
If you only grind or clench your teeth during waking hours, you might not need treatment, significantly if you can increase your awareness and reduce stress. Feelings of anxiety, stress, or anger can trigger teeth grinding. You might also notice your jaw clenching when concentrating hard on something.
- This is the most common type.
- It happens while you're sleeping.
- You might not even know you're doing it, but your partner might hear you grinding your teeth.
Sleep bruxism
Grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep can cause more harm because you don’t realize it’s happening. People with sleep bruxism often need treatment to manage the effects of grinding.
- This is when you grind or clench your teeth while you're awake.
- It often happens when you're feeling stressed or anxious.
- You might also do it without realizing it.
Bruxism Causes
Healthcare providers don’t know why some people grind their teeth while others don’t. Bruxism doesn’t have a single specific cause; several risk factors can contribute to its development.
Risk Factors
A risk factor increases your chances of developing a specific condition. Risk factors for bruxism include:
Stress and anxiety
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed can lead to bruxism. Those with depression or anxiety disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), are more prone to bruxism.
Lifestyle habits
People who smoke, drink alcohol, and consume a lot of caffeine (more than six cups of coffee a day) are twice as likely to grind their teeth as those who don’t.
Certain medications
This includes a class of anti-anxiety drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Sleep apnea
Research has confirmed a correlation between sleep apnea and teeth grinding. However, it’s unclear whether sleep apnea causes bruxism or vice versa. Experts continue to study the relationship between teeth grinding and sleep disorders.
Complications of Bruxism
Left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to:
- Sleep disorders.
- Dental damage such as tooth erosion and loose or cracked teeth.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
- Facial pain.
- Diagnosis and Tests
How Doctors Diagnose Bruxism?
If you think you might have bruxism, your dentist will be able to diagnose it. They will ask you about your symptoms, such as:
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Sore teeth
- Difficulty sleeping
Your dentist will also examine your teeth and jaw. They may look for signs of wear and tear on your teeth. In some cases, your dentist may recommend a sleep study to see if you grind your teeth while you're sleeping.
Management and Treatment of Bruxism
Bruxism, which means grinding your teeth, can be handled well, even if it's serious. With the right help and some changes in your habits, you can lower the problems that come with teeth grinding. If you only grind your teeth a little or now and then, you probably won’t need special treatment. But if it’s a bigger problem, doctors might suggest these treatments:
Mouth Guards
A custom mouth guard can protect your teeth. It helps keep your jaw in a good position, which can ease tension in your jaw muscles. You wear it at night when you’re likely to grind your teeth.
Stress Management
Learning how to deal with stress can help reduce teeth grinding. Some ways to manage stress include meditation, exercise, and talking to a therapist.
Lifestyle Changes
Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can help if these drinks make you grind your teeth. Quitting smoking can also stop teeth grinding and help you sleep better.
Medications
Taking a muscle relaxer before bed can help reduce or stop teeth grinding. Doctors usually suggest this only for a short time.
Botox Injections
For severe cases, doctors might suggest Botox® injections. This can help relax your jaw muscles and reduce pain. You will need to get these shots again every three to four months to keep the effects.
Preventing Bruxism
While you might not be able to stop bruxism completely, you can use these tips to reduce how often it happens or how bad it gets:
- Manage Stress: Try relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to help keep stress levels low.
- Improve Sleep Habits: Make sure your sleeping area is cozy, go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, and avoid drinks like coffee or soda before bed.
- Watch Your Diet: Cut down on caffeine and alcohol, as these can make it hard to sleep well.
- Regular Dental Visits: See your dentist for regular check-ups. They can help find and fix any dental problems that might cause bruxism.
- Avoid Grinding During the Day: Pay attention to whether you are clenching your jaw during the day. Try to relax your face and jaw muscles when you notice it.
When to See a Dentist?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it's important to consult with a dentist:
- Persistent jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Clicking or popping sounds in your jaw
- Headaches or earaches
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Changes in your bite
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to your teeth and jaw.