Bruxism is the involuntary grinding, clenching, or tightening of the teeth and jaw muscles. While many people are unaware they do it, bruxism can cause significant damage to the teeth, muscles, and jaw joints over time.
Types of Bruxism
There are two main types:
Awake Bruxism
Occurs during waking hours and is often associated with stress, anxiety, concentration, or habit-related clenching.
Sleep Bruxism
Occurs during sleep and is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. Many people are unaware they grind their teeth until symptoms develop or a partner notices the noise.
What Causes Bruxism?
The exact cause is often multifactorial and may include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Certain medications
- Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking
- Bite discrepancies and tooth interferences
- Associated conditions – obstructive sleep apnoea, Parkinson’s Disease, Gastro oesophageal reflux disease
- Genetic predisposition
- Occlusion
Clinical Features Affecting the Teeth
Over time, bruxism can lead to:
- Excessive enamel wear and flattening of teeth
- Tooth fractures and cracked tooth syndrome
- Chipped restorations and crowns
- Tooth hypersensitivity
- Shortening of teeth and loss of tooth structure
- Reduced vertical dimension (loss of overall bite height)
- Abfractions
Clinical Features Affecting the Muscles
Patients may experience:
- Jaw muscle pain or tenderness
- Fatigue of the chewing muscles
- Morning jaw stiffness
- Enlargement of the masseter muscles, creating a broader jaw appearance
Clinical Features Affecting the Jaw Joint (TMJ)
Bruxism can place excessive strain on the temporomandibular joints and may cause:
- Jaw joint pain
- Morning pain or fatigue
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
- Headaches and facial pain
Clinical Features Affecting Soft Tissues
Signs inside the mouth may include:
- Indentations along the sides of the tongue (scalloped tongue)
- Cheek biting or cheek ridging (linea alba)
- Trauma to the soft tissues from chronic clenching
Management of Bruxism
Successful management focuses on protecting the teeth and reducing contributing factors.
Treatment may include:
- Custom-made occlusal splints or night guards
- Management of stress and anxiety
- Improving sleep quality and sleep hygiene
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
- Treating cracked, worn, or damaged teeth
- Regular dental monitoring to assess progression
- Physio exercises
Early Intervention Matters
Bruxism often develops gradually, and many people don’t realise the damage occurring until significant tooth wear or pain develops. Early diagnosis and treatment can help protect your teeth, reduce discomfort, and preserve your long-term oral health.
If you suspect you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, speak with the team at Dural Dental Practice. Early assessment can help prevent small problems from becoming major dental issues.
