Bruxism Symptoms: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Bruxism is a condition where individuals involuntarily grind their teeth, rubbing the upper and lower arches together or clenching their jaws with significant force. It is a fairly common issue, particularly occurring at night, and is caused by the involuntary contraction of the masticatory muscles. This contraction can lead to various problems, including tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches.
What is Bruxism?
If you wake up with jaw pain or unusual tooth sensitivity, it’s likely that you are suffering from bruxism. Known as a parafunctional activity because it is involuntary, bruxism causes people to grind their teeth due to uncontrolled muscle and jaw movements. Over time, this can lead to problems like tooth chipping, shape alteration, or enamel erosion. For this reason, it’s recommended that individuals with bruxism use specialized mouthguards, known as “bite guards,” which protect the teeth from wear and help reduce pressure on the jaw.
Bruxism Symptoms: Causes
The exact cause of bruxism is not fully understood, but several factors have been identified that may contribute to the condition. Some of the most common causes include:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Emotional and psychological issues
- Sleep disorders
- Misalignment of the dental arches (malocclusion)
- A muscular response to a neurodegenerative disease
Additionally, alcohol and drug abuse, smoking, and excessive caffeine intake can also contribute to the onset of bruxism.
In children, teeth grinding may occur as an attempt to relieve pain from conditions like an ear infection or toothache.
Bruxism Symptoms: What to Look For
The symptoms associated with bruxism are directly linked to the damage it can cause. Those who grind their teeth typically experience pain in the jaw, fatigue, and tenderness in the masticatory muscles, as well as frequent headaches.
Bruxism and Tooth Damage
Teeth grinding can damage enamel, which may wear down and thin due to constant friction. If left untreated, bruxism can expose the dentin, causing deep damage to the teeth and altering their shape and sensitivity.
Untreated bruxism can lead to chipping, cracking, and even fracturing of the teeth. It can also affect the integrity of dental restorations, such as fillings, veneers, crowns, or ceramic bridges, leading to their breakage or loosening.
Bruxism Symptoms: FreeSmile Dental Clinic
Before and After Treatment at FreeSmile Dental Clinic
See the improvement in a patient’s smile after receiving treatment at the FreeSmile Dental Clinic, led by Dr. M. Schmitz.
Diagnosing Bruxism
In most cases, individuals suffering from bruxism are unaware of it. The diagnosis is usually made during a routine dental check-up, often for other issues. An experienced dentist can spot signs of wear on the teeth caused by bruxism and will inform the patient, suggesting appropriate treatments.
Treatments for Bruxism
The first step in treating bruxism is identifying its underlying causes. For dental health, bite guards are commonly used to protect teeth from further wear and prevent strain on the muscles and joints. Bite guards act as a kind of mouthguard worn during sleep to prevent tooth contact and grinding.
If bruxism is caused by malocclusion or misalignment, the dentist will recommend the appropriate treatment to correct the bite. Additionally, the dentist will need to repair any damage caused by bruxism, such as tooth fractures or enamel erosion.
Treating Chipped or Cracked Teeth
A chipped or broken tooth caused by teeth grinding should not be ignored. A damaged tooth can become further compromised with even light pressure, making restorative treatment even more essential. Enamel damage may also increase the risk of tooth infections.
If a tooth is cracked or broken, the dentist may recommend placing a dental crown, which will provide long-lasting protection without altering the tooth’s appearance. A dental crown is a fixed restoration that covers a damaged tooth, making it stronger and more resistant to further trauma or fractures. Additionally, crowns restore both the function and aesthetics of the tooth.
Bruxism: Deformed Teeth That Are Still Healthy
In some cases, bruxism may deform the teeth without affecting their function. If this is the case, cosmetic dental treatments can help make the teeth appear younger, brighter, and healthier overall. Your dentist will evaluate whether a purely aesthetic approach is appropriate or if dental crowns are needed.
If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth, contact FreeSmile Dental Clinic to protect your smile and repair any damage that may have already occurred. To schedule an appointment,
