Bruxism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Bruxism is a common oral condition characterized by the clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth, which can occur during the day or at night. It is considered one of the most frequent sleep-related disorders, with most damage occurring during nighttime hours. In people without bruxism, the chewing reflex shuts off during sleep; in sufferers, however, this reflex remains active, leading to involuntary jaw movements even during deep sleep or naps.

How Bruxism Affects the Mouth and Jaw

Bruxism typically involves the incisors and canines (the front six upper and lower teeth) rubbing against each other in a side-to-side motion. This abnormal movement strains the medial pterygoid muscles and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Over time, this can result in a variety of symptoms and associated health concerns, including:

  • Headaches and earaches
  • Muscle pain in the jaw and face (myofascial pain)
  • Tooth wear, fractures, and loss
  • Gum recession
  • Temporomandibular joint arthritis in severe cases
  • Anxiety, depression, and eating disorders

Because bruxism shares symptoms with other causes of tooth wear, such as acidic foods, aggressive brushing, and dental erosion, it is often misdiagnosed. Only a trained professional can differentiate bruxism from other conditions.

Diagnosing Bruxism

One convenient diagnostic tool is the BiteStrip®, an at-home device that monitors jaw muscle activity during sleep. It records the frequency and intensity of grinding episodes, helping your dentist develop an effective treatment plan.

Why Treat Bruxism?

Untreated bruxism can lead to several serious dental and health issues:

  • Gum recession and tooth loss: Continuous grinding damages gums and can lead to loose teeth and deep pockets where bacteria may attack the supporting bone.
  • Occlusal trauma: Abnormal wear on chewing surfaces can cause tooth fractures that require restorative treatment.
  • Arthritis of the TMJ: Chronic grinding may result in painful arthritis in the jaw joint.
  • Myofascial pain: Muscle strain from grinding can lead to headaches, jaw discomfort, and facial pain.

Treatment Options

While there is no single cure for bruxism, several effective treatments are available:

  • Mouthguards: Custom acrylic guards protect teeth from damage and help stabilize the bite during sleep. They are typically worn long-term.
  • NTI-tss device: This front-tooth appliance reduces the contraction of the temporalis muscle, preventing grinding of the rear molars.
  • Botox®: Targeted injections relax overactive jaw muscles, reducing grinding while allowing normal chewing and speaking functions.
  • Lifestyle and behavioral therapies: Stress management, relaxation exercises, and biofeedback techniques can help control bruxism.

Once bruxism is under control, dental procedures such as crowns, gum grafts, or crown lengthening can restore the appearance and function of affected teeth.

For questions or to discuss your bruxism treatment options, please contact our office.