Health Information : Bruxism

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What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the term that refers to an incessant grinding and clenching of the teeth, unintentionally, and at inappropriate times. Bruxers (persons with bruxism) are often unaware that they have developed this habit and often do not know that treatment is available until damage to the mouth and teeth has been done. Damage caused by bruxism often includes the following symptoms:

• Abraded teeth
• Facial pain
• Oversensitive teeth
• Tense facial and jaw muscles
• Headaches
• Dislocation of the jaw
• Damage to the tooth enamel, exposing the inside of the tooth (dentin)
• A popping or clicking in the temporomandibular joint (tmj)
• Tongue indentations
• Damage to the inside of the cheek

What causes bruxism?

Although this habit is unintentional, oral health specialists often point to excessive stress and certain personality types as typical causes of bruxism. Bruxism often affects persons with nervous tension such as anger, pain, or frustration, and/or persons with aggressive, hurried, or overly competitive tendencies.

Treatment for bruxism:

A person requires treatment for bruxism when the condition is severe. Talk to your doctor for best possible options. You may be asked to undergo following treatment methods:

• Dental approaches: splints and mouth guards, dental correction
• Therapies: stress management, behaviour therapy, biofeedback
• Medications: muscle relaxants, Botox injections