Dental Bruxism

The exact cause is not always clear, but it can be triggered by several factors including:

• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep disorders (e.g., sleep apnea)
• Malocclusion (misaligned teeth)
• Lifestyle factors like alcohol, smoking, and caffeine consumption
• Certain medications, particularly antidepressants
• Neurological conditions

Common symptoms include:

• Jaw pain or discomfort (especially in the morning)
• Headaches, particularly in the temples
• Earaches or pain around the ears
• Worn or damaged teeth
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Sleep disturbances
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw

Your dentist diagnoses bruxism through a dental examination. They look for signs of tooth wear, jaw tenderness, and ask about symptoms like headaches or jaw pain. 

Yes, if left untreated, bruxism can lead to:

• Damage to the teeth, such as chips, fractures, or excessive wear
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Muscle pain in the jaw, neck, and face
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Sleep disruption

There is no “cure” for bruxism, but its symptoms can be managed. Treatment options include:

• Stress management and relaxation techniques
• Custom made mouthguards or splints to prevent tooth damage during sleep and reduce headaches and pain in the jaw joints and muscles around the face. 
• Treating underlying conditions (e.g., sleep apnea)
• Lifestyle changes, like reducing caffeine and alcohol intake

Preventing bruxism is often challenging since it can occur unconsciously. However, strategies to reduce the risk include:

• Managing stress and anxiety
• Reducing stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, nicotine)
• Improving sleep hygiene
• Regular dental check-ups to catch early signs

A night guard, or dental splint, is a custom-made device worn over the teeth at night. It helps prevent teeth grinding or clenching reducing wear and damage to the teeth and relieving jaw tension.

Yes, bruxism is common in children, particularly during the early years of tooth development. It often goes away on its own by adolescence, but persistent cases should be monitored.

Treatment for bruxism includes:

•  Custom made mouthguards or splints to protect teeth from grinding/clenching damage.
• Stress management –  counseling, relaxation techniques, and stress reduction strategies.
• Medication – muscle relaxants, or, in rare cases, Botox injections to reduce muscle activity.
• Dental correction – if malocclusion is a cause, orthodontic treatments or dental work may be necessary.
• Lifestyle modifications
• Cutting back on stimulants or adjusting sleep routines.