Definition |
Causes |
Risk Factors |
Symptoms |
Diagnosis |
Treatment |
Prevention
Definition
Bruxism is chronic, involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth. It usually occurs during sleep, but it may also occur while awake.
Causes
The exact cause of bruxism is unknown, but it is believed to be related to:
-
Stress and
anxiety
- Abnormal alignment of the teeth or jaws
Risk Factors
Risk factors that increases your chance of getting bruxism include:
- Chronic stress or
anxiety
- Aggressive or competitive personality
-
Abuse of
drugs
or
alcohol
(especially methamphetamines)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Age: 40 or younger; especially common in women aged 27-40
- Family member with bruxism
- Facial or oral trauma
- Use of psychiatric medications, especially antidepressants
- Prior serious head injury
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Grinding sounds during sleep
- Teeth that are sensitive to heat, cold, or brushing
- Tense facial or jaw muscles
- Hairline cracks of the enamel on some teeth
- Sore teeth
-
Inflammation of the gums (
gingivitis)
- Headache, especially when waking in the morning
- Damage to the inside of the cheek (from biting or chewing)
- Temporomandibular joint disorder
(TMD)
Diagnosis
The doctor or dentist will ask about your symptoms and medical history. An examination of your teeth and jaw will be done. With bruxism, teeth will have flattened tips, excessive wear, or thin enamel.
Treatment
Methods of treatment include:
This method focuses on changing behavior through various techniques, such as:
Your dentist may recommend a protective mouth appliance, such as a night guard. It can absorb the pressure of constant night grinding.
Medication is only recommended for short-term use. Medications may include:
- Muscle relaxants
- Mild sleeping aids
- Injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) in severe cases
Bruxism that is not
treated
may result in gum damage, tooth loss, and jaw-related disorders.
Prevention
The same methods used to treat bruxism can be used to prevent the condition.
Bruxism. University of Virginia Health System website. Available at:
http://uvahealth.com/services/dentistry/conditions-treatments-1/11995/?searchterm=bruxism. Accessed January 22, 2013.
Chang H. Botulism toxin: use in disorders of the temporomandibular joint.
Dent Today. 2005;24:48,50-1; quiz 51.
Tan EK, Jankovic J. Treating severe bruxism with botulinum toxin.
J Am Dent Assoc. 2000;131:211-216.
Teeth grinding. American Dental Association's Mouth Healthy website. Available at: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teeth-grinding.aspx. Accessed January 22, 2013.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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