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Bruxism - HealthLibrary

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Bruxism

(Teeth Grinding)

by Michelle Badash, MS

En Español (Spanish Version)
 

Definition

Bruxism is chronic, involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth. It usually occurs during sleep, but it may also occur while awake.

Closed Jaw

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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:

Behavioral or Cognitive Treatment

This method focuses on changing behavior through various techniques, such as:

Orthodontic Treatment

Your dentist may recommend a protective mouth appliance, such as a night guard. It can absorb the pressure of constant night grinding.

Medication

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.

RESOURCES::

Academy of General Dentistry
http://www.agd.org

American Dental Association
http://www.ada.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES::

Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
http://www.cdha.ca

REFERENCES::

Bruxism. University of Virginia Health System website. Available at: http://uvahealth.c... . 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
Last Updated: 1/22/2013

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