Over the past few years, our dental practice has seen an increasing number of patients who have Bruxism; and more of our patients are getting occlusal guards to prevent further problems. So what is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the act of forcefully sliding the chewing surfaces of the teeth back and forth against each other. Bruxism is often times accompanied with clenching, which is tightly clamping the teeth together with incredible force. People who clench and grind their teeth are called bruxers and they are doing this subconsciously. Bruxism occurs typically during the night and because we are sleeping, we have no control over this nocturnal habit.
Why is Bruxism a problem?
During sleep, the act of biting can be up to 6 times greater than normal wake biting and clenching. Many patients report headaches, facial and jaw pain or no symptoms other than what we can report in the mouth. This can include:
Why am I clenching or grinding?
The causes of bruxism are unclear. Studies suggest life stress, sleeping problems, or occlusion problems can contribute. Many of our patients reported having a stressful life event or an increase of stress in their lives. Recent studies have also found that those taking medications for depression or anxiety have an increased side effect of clenching. These medications include Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa among many others. If you are currently taking a medication for anxiety or depression and have experienced any symptoms of clenching or grinding, talk to your healthcare professional about your options.
How is bruxism treated?
There is no cure for bruxism, however, the condition can be managed. An occlusal guard or more commonly called a night guard can be professionally made to wear while you sleep. This appliance helps keep your Temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) slightly open to prevent clenching or grinding. When someone is a bruxer, their cheek muscles are often very prominent. The muscles become overdeveloped and incredibly strong. Recent studies have found that improvement of bruxism is seen when injecting the botulinum toxin temporarily weakening this muscle while still having function. In severe cases of bruxism, full mouth crowns are needed to protect the teeth and restore the smile to full function. Please consult a dental professional for a consultation and a treatment plan.
While bruxism can have a negative effect on your teeth, facial area or jaw, it is possible to limit or reduce these effects. There are options for you! Consult your dental professional for a complete and thorough dental exam! We are here for you!
Bruxism is the act of forcefully sliding the chewing surfaces of the teeth back and forth against each other. Bruxism is often times accompanied with clenching, which is tightly clamping the teeth together with incredible force. People who clench and grind their teeth are called bruxers and they are doing this subconsciously. Bruxism occurs typically during the night and because we are sleeping, we have no control over this nocturnal habit.
Why is Bruxism a problem?
During sleep, the act of biting can be up to 6 times greater than normal wake biting and clenching. Many patients report headaches, facial and jaw pain or no symptoms other than what we can report in the mouth. This can include:
- fractured or broken teeth
- teeth that are "short" or worn down
- broken fillings or crowns
- tooth mobility
- sensitive teeth
- gum recession
- abfraction
 |
| worn down teeth |
 |
| worn and chipped teeth |
 |
| gum recession and abfraction |
 |
| vertical fractures |
Why am I clenching or grinding?
The causes of bruxism are unclear. Studies suggest life stress, sleeping problems, or occlusion problems can contribute. Many of our patients reported having a stressful life event or an increase of stress in their lives. Recent studies have also found that those taking medications for depression or anxiety have an increased side effect of clenching. These medications include Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa among many others. If you are currently taking a medication for anxiety or depression and have experienced any symptoms of clenching or grinding, talk to your healthcare professional about your options.
How is bruxism treated?
There is no cure for bruxism, however, the condition can be managed. An occlusal guard or more commonly called a night guard can be professionally made to wear while you sleep. This appliance helps keep your Temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) slightly open to prevent clenching or grinding. When someone is a bruxer, their cheek muscles are often very prominent. The muscles become overdeveloped and incredibly strong. Recent studies have found that improvement of bruxism is seen when injecting the botulinum toxin temporarily weakening this muscle while still having function. In severe cases of bruxism, full mouth crowns are needed to protect the teeth and restore the smile to full function. Please consult a dental professional for a consultation and a treatment plan.
 |
| prominent Masseter muscles from bruxing |
While bruxism can have a negative effect on your teeth, facial area or jaw, it is possible to limit or reduce these effects. There are options for you! Consult your dental professional for a complete and thorough dental exam! We are here for you!
