Bruxism, which causes involuntary clenching and grinding, can cause jaw pain and dental problems. Although sleep bruxism, which occurs while the person is asleep, can be seen mostly in children, adolescents, and young adults, it is a disorder that can affect people of all ages. Moreover, bruxism is not just a disorder, it can cause serious problems if left uncontrolled. During sleep, people often do not realize that they are grinding their teeth and can apply a large force that can wear down the teeth, cause jaw, neck and headaches, and lead to long-term problems in the temporomandibular joint. Although there is no bruxism treatment that will completely stop teeth grinding, it is possible to reduce its frequency and effects and alleviate its symptoms. If you have symptoms of bruxism, it would be the right decision to consult a dental clinic without wasting any time for bruxism treatment.
What is Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)?
Bruxism is characterized by clenching, grinding, or pressing one’s teeth together. Although it often occurs during sleep, bruxism can also occur while awake. It is normal for everyone to grind or clench their teeth once in a while, this does not cause any harm. However, regular grinding of the teeth can be a sign of bruxism and can harm the person.
People who clench or grind their teeth during sleep are more likely to have sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea. In mild cases, it may not be necessary to apply any bruxism treatment. However, in some people, bruxism can cause facial and jaw pain, jaw contraction and headaches. In the long term, teeth grinding can lead to limitation of movement in the jaw joints, tooth, and gum disorders.
Types of Bruxism
Although the act of grinding is the same, bruxism that can occur while awake or asleep is considered two separate conditions:
- Awake bruxism: Bruxism seen during wakefulness is an unconscious habit. Generally, awake bruxism does not cause teeth grinding, although teeth clenching and tension in the jaw joints and muscles are severe. Because it is often linked to emotional problems, feeling anxious, stressed, or angry, as well as concentrating on something can cause teeth clenching. Pain in and around the jaw, headache and stiffness are common symptoms. Bruxism seen while awake usually does not require treatment, as the person is more likely to realize that they are clenching their teeth and stop.
- Sleep bruxism: This is a type of sleep disorder. People with bruxism during sleep may not get the help they need because they do not recognize the symptoms of teeth grinding or clenching. In sleep bruxism, people do not realize how strongly they clench their jaws and teeth. Symptoms include facial and jaw pain, restricted jaw movements, blunt headache, tooth damage and wear, broken fillings, ear pain due to temporomandibular joint damage.
Who is at Risk for Bruxism?
The incidence of bruxism in women and men is almost the same. People with a family history of teeth grinding or clenching have a higher risk of bruxism. Aggressive, competitive, or hyperactive people have a higher risk of bruxism.
The main factor that increases the risk of bruxism is stress. Increased anxiety or stress, as well as anger and frustration, can also cause bruxism. Bruxism can be associated with diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, epilepsy, night terrors, sleep apnea, attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder.
One of the rare side effects of psychiatric drugs such as antidepressants is bruxism. Smoking, consuming caffeinated drinks, and alcohol, or using recreational drugs can increase the risk of bruxism.
Causes of Bruxism
Bruxism is an unconscious problem that most people experience due to psychological reasons. Bruxism, which can affect the mouth and jaw structure and cause tooth, head, and jaw pain, can have many causes, including the following:
- Sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea.
- Drinking alcohol, smoking, drugs and consuming too much caffeine.
- Wrong eating habits.
- Intense stress, tension, and anxiety.
- Problems caused by incorrect chewing.
- Some antidepressant drugs.
- Wrong filling and prosthesis applications.
- Genetic factors.
Symptoms of Bruxism
Bruxism has different symptoms according to age, personality traits, etc. The main signs and symptoms of bruxism are as follows.
- Teeth grinding severe enough to wake up your partner.
- Sensitivity, cracked, flattened, lose, or chipped teeth.
- Severe wear on the teeth.
- Severe toothache.
- Neck, jaw, and facial pain.
- Jaw locking.
- Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw.
- Ear pain or pain radiating to the ear.
- Head or facial pain, especially in the morning.
- Irritation inside the cheek and gums.
- Sleep disorders.
Bruxism Treatment Types
There is no medicine that will completely stop bruxism. Bruxism treatment varies according to the patient’s expectations, the type of bruxism and the severity of the disease. Today, many strategies can be followed in the bruxism treatment. The main bruxism treatment methods can be listed as follows:
1. Massage
Head and neck massage can be effective for relieving muscle tension and pain caused by teeth grinding due to bruxism. A physiotherapist can give a massage to relax the muscles in and around the jaw and relieve pain or demonstrate techniques that you can do yourself.
Massage therapy for bruxism treatment can help relieve tension, especially chronic tension in the jaw muscles.
2. Mouthguards
Mouthguards, also called night guards or dental splints, are worn over the teeth and can help minimize tooth damage from teeth grinding by holding the jaw in a specific position. In addition, some mouth guards allow the jaw to be slightly open, allowing the chewing muscles to relax during the night.
Another type of guard is the mandibular advancement device (MAD), which is used to reduce chronic snoring and sleep apnea. These devices are worn to bring your lower jaw forward while you sleep. The MAD is useful in treating bruxism caused by sleep disturbance and helps manage snoring and sleep apnea.
Although these protectors do not cure sleep bruxism, they can alleviate its effect, reduce tooth wear and morning headaches, and improve sleep quality. Mouthguards are made individually by the dentist.
3. Stress Reduction
As stress is a common cause of teeth grinding, relaxation techniques may be a method of bruxism treatment. Stress or anxiety management can help relieve bruxism. People who clench their teeth due to stress can relax by applying relaxation strategies such as meditation.
4. Medications
In general, in many cases, the use of medication is not very effective for the bruxism treatment, but in severe cases that persist despite bruxism treatment, the use of medication may be considered with the recommendation of the dentist. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve pain or swelling associated with bruxism. In some cases, muscle relaxants may be preferred to rest the jaw muscles and reduce tension.
In severe cases of bruxism, botox injections can prevent teeth grinding. Botox procedure is not preferred because it does not create a permanent solution, requires repeated doses and is not economical.
