Bruxism
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What is Bruxism? Understanding teeth grinding and clenching
Have you ever woken up with a sore jaw, or noticed your teeth feeling a bit sensitive? You might be experiencing something called bruxism. Simply put, bruxism is when you unconsciously grind, gnash, or clench your teeth.
It can happen in a couple of ways: sometimes, you might find yourself clenching your teeth during the day without even realising it (we call this awake bruxism). Other times, it happens while you’re asleep, meaning you might not even know it’s happening until symptoms appear (this is sleep bruxism). Bruxism is often caused by stress and can cause tooth wear, breakage, and sensitivity. It can also contribute to TMD (Temporomandibular disorder).
If you are aware of tension in your jaw, jaw pain, or headaches that you think are caused by clenching, you may want to think about getting a night guard. These custom-made shields are worn at night and fit comfortably between your upper and lower teeth. They cushion the impact that bruxism has on your teeth and jaw.
Why Does Bruxism Happen? Unpacking the causes of teeth grinding
So, you’re wondering why someone might start grinding or clenching their teeth? Well, it’s a really good question, and the answer is usually that it’s a mix of different things, often involving physical, emotional, and even genetic factors.
When your bite isn’t quite right
Sometimes, bruxism can be linked to how your teeth fit together. If you have an abnormal bite, or if some of your teeth are crooked or even missing, your jaw might be working harder to find a comfortable resting position. This can sometimes lead to unconscious grinding or clenching.
The impact of stress and emotions
For many people, especially with awake bruxism (that’s when you clench during the day), emotions play a huge role. Things like stress, anxiety, tension, anger, or frustration can all cause you to tighten up, and that often translates to your jaw muscles. It’s no surprise that folks dealing with a lot of daily life stressors make up a big part of those who experience bruxism.
Sleep bruxism can also be tied to anxiety. All that worry from work or home can manifest itself while you’re sleeping, leading to subconscious teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Over time, this constant pressure and friction can wear away the protective enamel on your teeth and even lead to more permanent damage.
Family ties and other factors
Interestingly, sleep bruxism can sometimes run in families. If a parent or sibling grinds their teeth at night, there’s a chance you might too.
Beyond that, some other less common factors can contribute:
- Medications: Occasionally, certain psychiatric medications can have bruxism as a side effect.
- Lifestyle choices: Habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or recreational drug use can also be linked to developing bruxism.
- Medical conditions: Bruxism can also be associated with certain medical conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, dementia, epilepsy, some sleep-related disorders, and ADHD.
It’s clear that bruxism isn’t just one thing, but understanding these potential causes is the first step in finding ways to manage it and protect your smile!
What are the symptoms of bruxism?
The signs and symptoms of bruxism/temporomandibular joint disorders can be as varied as the causes, but you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Teeth can appear shorter or get worn down
- Teeth or fillings can break or fall out
- A change in your bite and how your teeth meet
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you move your jaw
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth or a ‘locking’ jaw
- Jaw pain or discomfort in your jaw muscles, especially when you eat or yawn
- Pain in front of your ears, which may spread to your face, head, neck, or upper back
- Migraines or headaches
- Pressure behind your eyes or inside your ears
How to stop bruxism?
There are several ways to get bruxism treatment. Lifestyle changes can help mild cases but in severe cases, joint surgery may be needed. Splints and mouth guards can be worn during the night to prevent grinding teeth in sleep. These are designed to keep teeth separated to avoid the damage caused by clenching and grinding.
A mouth guard, like the ones used by sports people, is a flexible rubber shield that covers the teeth to prevent grinding. Mouth splints are made from hard plastic and are specifically made to fit over your upper and lower teeth to stop grinding teeth at night.
If you attend regular check-ups, your dentist will be able to pick up any signs of tooth wear and check the alignment of your jaws.
Book an appointment to discuss your options
Why choose Augustus Road Dental Practice for Bruxism treatment?
When it comes to jaw pain and pain relief, you don’t want to mess around. We pride ourselves on providing top-tier dental care in a friendly and supportive environment.
- Experienced & Caring Team: Our highly skilled dentists have extensive experience in dentistry and bruxism. We take the time to understand and listen to you to resolve your situation in the best way we can.
- Personalised Care: We believe in a truly personalised approach. From your initial consultation to the guidance provided. Our team is dedicated to building lasting relationships with our patients based on trust and respect.
- Focus on Your Comfort: We understand that visiting the dentist can be daunting. Our compassionate team goes above and beyond to create a relaxed and reassuring atmosphere, making your dental journey as pleasant as possible. We are proud of our commitment to patient well-being and satisfaction.
- Trusted Technology: We utilise trusted and proven systems, known for their effectiveness and safety.
Book your bruxism appointment today
Frequently asked questions
What are common causes of bruxism?
There are three common causes of bruxism. These include stress and anxiety, sleep issues such as snoring and sleep apnoea, and taking certain medications such as certain anti-depressants.
How do I know if I have bruxism?
There are several signs that bruxism should be addressed, these include:
- Eroded teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Facial pain
- Overly sensitive teeth
- Tense facial and jaw muscles
- Headaches
- Dislocation of the jaw
- Locking of the jaw
- A popping or clicking in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Damage to the inside of the cheek
What to avoid with bruxism
You may want to avoid very chewy foods as they may incur jaw pain and teeth, especially if you’ve had bruxism during the night.
Will treating bruxism improve my sleep?
Absolutely! Treating bruxism can definitely be a step towards better sleep for many people. When you grind or clench your teeth during the night, it can disrupt your sleep patterns, lead to discomfort like jaw pain and headaches upon waking and even contribute to other sleep disorders. By addressing the bruxism itself – perhaps with a custom night guard to protect your teeth and jaw, or by managing underlying stress and anxiety – you can reduce these disruptive symptoms, allowing your body and mind to achieve deeper, more restful sleep, leaving you feeling more refreshed and energised in the morning.
