Bruxism: Causes, Effects, and Treatment

Bruxism is a common oral parafunctional activity that occurs in many people at some point in their lives. It is characterized by teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can happen during the day or at night. Most damage occurs during sleep, when the reflex control for chewing becomes active in sufferers, unlike in non-affected individuals.

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How Bruxism Affects the Mouth

Typically, the front six upper and lower teeth (incisors and canines) grind laterally against each other. This side-to-side motion stresses the medial pterygoid muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Bruxism may contribute to symptoms such as earaches, headaches, depression, eating disorders, and anxiety. It is also associated with conditions including chronic stress, Alzheimer’s disease, and alcohol abuse.

Because tooth wear can result from several causes, bruxism is often misdiagnosed. Only a trained dental professional can distinguish bruxing wear from damage caused by aggressive brushing, acidic beverages, or abrasive foods.

Diagnosing Bruxism

The BiteStrip® is a simple, economical at-home device used to detect bruxism. This small electromyography sensor monitors jaw muscle activity during sleep. The collected data helps dental professionals assess the frequency and severity of bruxism and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

Reasons to Treat Bruxism

  • Gum recession and tooth loss: Bruxism can damage soft tissue, create deep pockets for bacteria, and destabilize teeth.
  • Occlusal trauma: Abnormal wear patterns on chewing surfaces can lead to tooth fractures, requiring restorative care.
  • Arthritis: Chronic bruxism can contribute to TMJ arthritis, causing pain and dysfunction in the jaw joints.
  • Myofascial pain: Grinding can shorten and blunt teeth, leading to headaches and facial muscle discomfort.

Treatment Options

While there is no single cure for bruxism, various devices and therapies can effectively manage the condition:

  • Mouthguards: Custom acrylic mouthguards protect teeth from abrasive wear and stabilize the occlusion. They are typically worn long-term during sleep.
  • NTI-tss device: Covers only the front teeth and reduces grinding of the molars by limiting temporalis muscle contraction.
  • Botox®: Injected into jaw muscles to relax them, reducing grinding while preserving normal chewing and speaking function.
  • Additional methods: Relaxation exercises, stress management, and biofeedback can help control bruxism. Dental procedures such as crowns, gum grafts, and crown lengthening can restore the smile after bruxism is managed.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism, please contact our office for further evaluation and treatment options.