Learn More About Bruxism: Causes, Solutions, And FAQ's

Bruxism is a condition where you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. This action can occur day or night, although most people are unaware they do it. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth when angry, anxious, or stressed. You may also grind your teeth at night, which can be a response to sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea. Symptoms of bruxism can include face, neck, and shoulder pain, a painful jaw, headaches, and earache. You may also have chipped, broken or worn down (flattened) teeth, which can cause sensitivity and loss of tooth fillings or crowns.

If you think you may be suffering from bruxism, it is important to see your dentist. They will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend treatment options.

There are a few different ways that your dentist can determine if you have bruxism. The first is through history taking, wherein you will be asked if you’ve been experiencing common symptoms of bruxism, including jaw pain and headache, especially when you wake up in the morning, neck pain, and earache. This will be followed by a dental examination wherein your dentist will check your teeth and gums. 

Flat, worn-down teeth and cracked or chipped teeth are some of the common signs of bruxism. Aside from these, teeth with receding gums can also be observed. Your dentist will also check if your fillings or crowns are still intact. Loose fillings and crowns can also result from bruxism. Lastly, your dentist may take x-rays or other imaging studies to get a more detailed look at your teeth, jaw, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This essential tool can significantly help your dentist determine why you have bruxism.

Results from your history taking, dental examination, and x-ray analysis will help your dentist diagnose if you have bruxism.

If you think you might have bruxism, it’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. Without treatment, bruxism can lead to several problems, including:

• Damage to your teeth: 
  The constant grinding and clenching of your teeth can cause the enamel to wear down, making them more susceptible to decay. It can also lead to increased sensitivity, tooth loss, and a change in the alignment of your teeth.
  
  
• Pain in your jaw muscles and jaw joints: 
  The muscles used for chewing can become overloaded and strained, leading to pain, spasms, and difficulty opening your mouth. In severe cases, bruxism can damage the temporomandibular joint, causing permanent clicking and popping when you move your jaw.
  
  
• Sleep problems: 
  Grinding and clenching can cause interrupted sleep, leading to fatigue and irritability during the day.

Bruxism is a serious condition that needs to be managed by a dentist or other healthcare professional. If you think you might have bruxism, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Teeth grinding or bruxism is a condition that affects many people. It can cause pain and damage to teeth and lead to other problems such as headaches and jaw pain. There are a few things you can do to prevent teeth grinding, including:

• Improve your sleeping habits: 
  Make sure you are getting enough sleep and that your sleeping environment is calm and relaxing. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before sleep and avoid caffeine before bed.
  
  
• Relieve stress: 
  Stress can be a major trigger for teeth grinding, so finding ways to relax and reduce stress can help prevent the condition. Exercise, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can all be helpful. You may also want to see a therapist to help you healthily manage stress.
  
  
• Wear a mouth guard: 
  Your dentist can fit you with a mouthguard to protect your teeth from grinding at night, and wearing one while sleeping can help you get a better night’s sleep.

Taking these steps can help prevent teeth grinding and keep your smile looking its best.

While bruxism can occur at any age, it is most common in children. The good news is that some children outgrow bruxism on their own. For adults, the situation is often different. Bruxism may be caused by stress, and it may go away on its own if the stress is relieved. However, there are also cases wherein bruxism persists into adulthood, and treatment is needed to manage the condition.

A dentist can help assess the severity of your bruxism and determine the best course of treatment. Sometimes, a mouthguard may be recommended to protect your teeth from damage. In other cases, counselling or medication may be necessary to reduce stress and alleviate bruxism. Whatever the cause of your bruxism, treatments are available to help you manage the condition and protect your teeth.