Causes and Symptoms of Bruxism

There are several potential causes of bruxism or teeth grinding, though the exact reason often remains unknown. Stress is commonly believed to be a trigger, as the condition tends to worsen during periods of high anxiety or stress. Other possible contributing factors include genetics, caffeine consumption, alcohol use, tobacco use, and certain medical conditions.

Those who grind their teeth frequently wake to headaches, jaw pain or tenderness in the face, cheeks, or ears. Effective Bruxism Treatment involves addressing symptoms like headaches and jaw pain, preventing enamel wear, and minimizing dental damage through targeted interventions. Over time, it can lead to worn enamel on teeth and even fractures. Other signs include abnormal tooth wear, loud noises while sleeping noticed by a bed partner, and dental implants or fillings that become loosened.

Diagnosing Bruxism

If a patient reports symptoms suggestive of bruxism, the dentist will perform an exam looking for signs of excessive wear on teeth. They may also watch for clenching or grinding motions while the patient is awake. To confirm a diagnosis, the gold standard is a polysomnography sleep study where sensors are placed on the body to monitor facial muscle activity and detect teeth grinding episodes during sleep cycles.

Non-Surgical Bruxism Treatment Methods

For mild to moderate bruxism cases not causing severe tooth damage, nonsurgical options are usually recommended first before considering more invasive procedures.

Night guards or mouthguards: These custom-fitted dental appliances are made of hard acrylic plastic and are worn only at night. They function as a protective buffer between the teeth, preventing excessive contact. Night guards reduce clenching pressures by up to 80%.

Biofeedback/relaxation therapies: Learning techniques like progressive muscle relaxation can help relax jaws and neck muscles that may subconsciously clench during sleep. Biofeedback uses sensors for the patient to gain awareness of teeth contact pressures.

Stress management: Finding healthy ways to cope with stress is important as research shows reducing life stress levels may diminish bruxism episodes. Practices like yoga, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help.

Limited caffeine/alcohol intake: Consuming less of these stimulants that are associated with triggering teeth grinding is recommended, especially in the evenings before bed.

Prescription medications: In refractory cases, short-term use of muscle relaxants may provide symptomatic relief. Botox injections into jaw muscles are another potential pharmaceutical option.
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