What is Bruxism?
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is the often unconscious and involuntary habit of clenching or grinding the teeth. There are two types of bruxism: static bruxism, which involves clenching the teeth without movement, and dynamic bruxism, which involves grinding the teeth with friction and lateral movement.
When does bruxism occur?
This usually happens during sleep, when the person is unaware. However, it can also occur while awake, especially during activities requiring focus, such as precision work or driving.
Bruxism can be chronic or episodic and temporary. Depending on its frequency, intensity, and underlying causes, this behavior can lead to various dental problems.
Mouthguards for Bruxism
At Anjou Centre Dentaire d'Urgence, we provide custom-made nightguards to protect your teeth from the effects of bruxism while you sleep.
Understanding Bruxism
Learn to recognize the symptoms of bruxism, understand its possible causes, and explore the treatments Anjou Centre Dentaire d'Urgence offers, including the use of custom mouthguards.
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Causes of Bruxism
The causes of this condition can be numerous, and science has not yet fully unraveled the mystery. What is clear is that anxiety, stress, tension, and hyperactivity can trigger or worsen bruxism. Other contributing factors include:
- Problems with dental malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth when biting)
- Drug or alcohol use
- Smoking, especially before bedtime
- Certain traumas from accidents
- Sleeping position, particularly lying on the back
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Symptoms & Consequences of Bruxism
Loud noises from teeth grinding, which often disturb those around you, can signal a possible case of bruxism. However, this habit can also occur silently. Other symptoms, which can vary in intensity, may appear after episodes of bruxism, including:
- Muscle tension in the face, neck, and shoulders
- Jaw pain or stiffness upon waking
- Discomfort or clicking in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Frequent or occasional headaches
- Difficulty opening the mouth
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Diagnosing Bruxism
Despite these signs, some patients are surprised – or even firmly deny – that they have a bruxism problem. However, more serious consequences can occur if the condition is left untreated, including:
- Cracks and fractures in the teeth
- Wear or damage to existing dental restorations (ceramic crowns or fillings)
- Tooth mobility, gum recession, and bone loss
- Loss of one or more teeth
- Permanent damage to the jaw joints and muscles
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Treatments & Solutions for Bruxism
There are solutions for bruxism, but it’s important to identify the underlying cause. During your examination, your dentist will investigate the source of the problem and use specific signs to guide you toward a solution tailored to your situation.
- If bruxism is caused by misaligned teeth or an occlusion issue, your dentist may recommend dental rehabilitation or orthodontic treatment.
- If the cause is psychological (such as anxiety), your dentist may suggest reviewing your lifestyle to identify stress triggers and work on reducing them
Additional tips to help manage bruxism include:
- Avoid smoking before bedtime
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Avoid sleeping on your back
- Reduce noise in your bedroom (from computers, TVs, etc.)
