Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition involving habitual clenching and grinding of teeth, most often at night. It manifests as enamel wear, muscle pain, headaches, and discomfort in the temporomandibular joint.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is an involuntary, repetitive muscle activity manifested by clenching or grinding of the teeth. It occurs in two forms: awake (diurnal) and sleep (nocturnal), with different causes and courses.
Awake bruxism is mainly associated with psychosocial factors – stress, anxiety or depression – as well as habits such as jaw clenching or nail biting. Sleep bruxism additionally results from sleep cycle disturbances, changes in the central nervous system and the use of certain medications or substances. Left untreated, it leads to enamel wear, headaches and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Main causes
The development of bruxism is usually associated with a combination of several factors, which include:
Stress, anxiety and psychosocial factors
Sleep disorders
Malocclusions and dental abnormalities
Use of certain medications and stimulants
Habits and behavioural factors - changes in the central nervous system
Bruxism Symptoms
Symptoms of bruxism can vary depending on the intensity and frequency of the habit. The most common symptoms include:
Tension or pain
Many people do not know that they grind their teeth, and only find out about it from their loved ones. Night-time clenching of the jaw causes pain in the face, neck and head right after waking up. Tooth sensitivity and minor abrasions in the mouth are also common.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
This joint connects the temporal bone with the mandible, and bruxism is one of the most common causes of its problems. It manifests as clicking or popping when opening the mouth, limited mobility of the mandible, a feeling of the jaw being "locked", as well as headaches.
Tooth wear and cracks
Strong pressure caused by involuntary clenching leads to pathological tooth wear, visible as the flattening of their surfaces. In extreme cases, this can result in enamel cracks, tooth fractures, or damage to fillings, as well as increased sensitivity to cold and heat.
If symptoms persist, worsen or you notice visible changes in your teeth, it is advisable to consult a dentist as soon as possible.
Bruxism cannot be completely cured, but it can be effectively controlled and its symptoms alleviated. The first step is to increase the patient's awareness and identify the causes that trigger it.
The most effective methods of treating bruxism include:
