Bruxism
Does bruxism have a solution? All the information about this disorder: causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Symptoms and Causes
Bruxism refers to the unconscious and compulsive act of clenching or grinding the teeth due to involuntary movement of the masticatory muscles.
Depending on when it occurs, different types of bruxism can be distinguished:
- Nocturnal bruxism: Grinding and clenching of the teeth occur during sleep. It is often associated with snoring and sleep apnea.
- Daytime bruxism: Clenching of the teeth occurs while awake.
- Juvenile bruxism: Frequently occurs in children and is not considered a pathology but rather a natural way to develop dentition, facial muscles, and bones. It usually disappears during adolescence
Bruxism is a very common disorder. In its mild form, it may not require any treatment. However, in some cases, it can severely damage teeth and the jaw structure. Additionally, people with bruxism may not be aware of it until complications arise.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of bruxism include:
- Teeth grinding
- Pain, tension, and fatigue in the jaw structure
- Jaw stiffness and contractures, sometimes leading to locking
- Dental pain and sensitivity
- Neck muscle contractures
- Ear or facial pain
- Headaches
- Flattened, fractured, cracked, or loose teeth
- Worn dental enamel, exposing inner layers
- Ulcers on the inside of the cheeks due to biting
- Sleep disorders such as snoring or apnea
Causes
Bruxism is mainly caused by:
- Emotional causes or stress: Clenching the teeth becomes a habit or coping strategy to deal with frustration, anger, or tension.
- Malocclusions: Jaw or dental misalignments that prevent the upper and lower arches from fitting together correctly. The body attempts to force alignment by wearing down misaligned structures.
- Excess energy in the body: When the body has excess energy that is not released, it may manifest at night in the form of bruxism.
Risk Factors
Various conditions increase the risk of developing bruxism:
- Stress
- Age: It is common in children
- Personality: Nervous, aggressive, or hyperactive individuals are at higher risk
- Consumption of anxiety-inducing foods, such as sugars or carbohydrates
- Family history
- Certain medications, such as some antidepressants or anticonvulsants
- Substances that affect the nervous system, such as caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
- Other disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, gastroesophageal reflux, sleep apnea, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Complications
In general, bruxism does not cause severe complications. However, if it is intense and untreated, it can lead to:
- Serious damage to the temporomandibular joint
- Significant tooth wear, which may further exacerbate malocclusions
- Weakening and inflammation of the gums, potentially causing tooth mobility
- Persistent pain
- Difficulty chewing and speaking
Prevention
Bruxism can be prevented or reduced by taking the following measures:
- Engaging in relaxation activities to reduce stress
- Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol, especially before sleeping
- Treating any existing sleep disorders
- Regular dental check-ups
Which Doctor Treats Bruxism?
Bruxism is diagnosed and treated by specialists in dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Diagnosis
Since bruxism is an unconscious disorder, it is often diagnosed incidentally during a routine dental examination. If bruxism is suspected, the following tests are performed:
- Physical examination: The dentist inspects the teeth for signs of damage, wear, or sensitivity and checks the jaw structure for pain or discomfort.
- Polysomnography (sleep study): This test detects sleep-related disorders by monitoring body functions with sensors while the patient sleeps. It can identify bruxism, sleep apnea, and other related conditions
Treatment
For mild bruxism, simply correcting mouth posture during rest or using stress management techniques may be sufficient. However, if dental damage is severe and associated with other pain symptoms, different treatment options are available:
- Night guards: A dental night guard helps keep the teeth apart to prevent damage from clenching or grinding. It also reduces jaw activity and associated pain.
- Dental repair: If tooth wear has caused severe damage, remodeling the teeth or placing crowns may be necessary.
- Anxiety medications or muscle relaxants: These reduce nighttime motor activity, providing temporary relief. However, long-term use is not recommended.
- Botox injections: Botulinum toxin can be useful for severe bruxism cases that do not respond to other treatments.
