Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism): causes, consequences, and treatment
Bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding, is a common unconscious habit in which you clench your jaws together or grind your teeth. This can happen both during the day and at night and is often related to stress, anxiety, or sleep disorders. Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth, but the consequences can be significant.
The most recognizable consequences are severe wear and tear on the teeth. Your teeth may become shorter, develop cracks, or even break off. This can lead to exposed tooth necks and sensitive teeth.
Other symptoms may also occur:
- Headaches, especially upon waking up.
- Pain in the jaw muscles and neck.
- A cracking sound in the jaw joint.
- Fatigue due to disturbed sleep.
Treatment of wear and bruxism:
If your dentist finds wear on your teeth, he or she will draw up a treatment plan tailored to the severity of the situation.
- Grinding guard (occlusal splint): For mild to moderate wear, a custom-made, transparent mouthguard that you wear at night is often recommended. This grinding guard absorbs the forces of clenching or grinding, protecting your teeth from further wear.
- Fillings and crowns: If a significant amount of tooth structure has been lost, the dentist can restore the teeth with composite fillings, veneers, or crowns. These restorations restore the shape and function of the teeth and prevent further decay.
- Addressing the cause: Because bruxism is often linked to psychological factors, it is important to address the underlying cause. A dentist can refer you to a jaw physiotherapist for relaxation exercises or, if necessary, to a psychologist for guidance on stress or anxiety.
- If the jaw muscle feels very hard and large and other methods are not effective enough, Botox treatment of the jaw muscle can also reduce the symptoms.
