Bruxism is a common issue that many patients experience at some point. It can be very painful and can actually be detrimental to the overall health of your mouth. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding of the teeth that many patients do, most often in their sleep. There are a number of factors that can lead to bruxism; it is important to see your dentist so that you can identify the cause and begin treatment.

Left untreated, bruxism can lead to severe jaw pain, headaches, neck pain, gum recession, and even chipped or broken teeth. Fortunately, there are also treatments available to help alleviate the impact of bruxism, which include a custom mouthguard that can be worn during sleep or even during the day as needed, and Botox. Botox can be injected into the jaw and at the temple to help prevent bruxism, but it is not a long-term treatment. Identifying the reason that you are grinding your teeth is crucial to treating and stopping bruxism.

Symptoms you may experience that can help you identify if you are grinding your teeth include sore or tight jaw muscles, particularly upon waking, tooth sensitivity, chipped or cracked teeth, or frequent headaches that start at your temples. Bruxism can negatively impact how well you sleep and how you feel when you wake up.

Known Causes of Bruxism

Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle habits can increase the likelihood that you will have trouble with bruxism. Use of tobacco products, alcohol consumption, and a high caffeine intake are all culprits that can increase your risk of bruxism. Age can also be a factor, as bruxism is common in preteen children.

Medical Disorders: Some underlying medical conditions have been linked to an increased risk of bruxism, such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and dementia. Additionally, certain medications actually list bruxism as a side effect, such as antidepressants and some medications used to treat psychiatric disorders.

Sleep Disorders: Snoring, sleep talking, and sleep apnea are all issues that can cause bruxism. In order to diagnose a sleep disorder, your dentist or general doctor can order a sleep study, which will then allow them to provide the best treatment option for your particular case.

Emotional Health: Clenching or grinding teeth can be a coping mechanism for some when they experience particular stressors or anxiety-inducing events during the day. If possible, it is beneficial to avoid such stressors, but of course, that is not always feasible. Your dentist can provide a custom mouthguard for you to wear during the day to help alleviate bruxism.

Malocclusion: The way your upper and lower jaws come together is your bite, and a misaligned bite is called malocclusion. Bite alignment can have a major impact on your oral health because not only does malocclusion cause jaw issues, tooth decay, and bone loss, but it can also contribute to bruxism. Depending on the severity of misalignment, orthodontic treatment can correct your bite.

Your dentist can fabricate a custom day or night guard to help prevent damage from bruxism, but it is important to determine the reason you are experiencing bruxism so that you can treat the cause, not just the symptoms.

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