Get the facts on bruxism, a condition characterised by involuntary teeth grinding and clenching. This comprehensive guide covers symptoms, diagnosis, causes, treatments and prevention methods.
Bruxism which typically presents as teeth clenching and/or grinding
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a common disorder that involves involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth. Common symptoms include tooth sensitivity, tooth wear, jaw pain and can even lead to TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) problems. Although there are no known cures, many treatment options are available to minimise the symptoms noted as you can see below.
What are the symptoms of Bruxism?
Looking for the symptoms of Bruxism? Those suffering from Bruxism may experience a number of changes to the face and surrounding muscles, such as grinding, clenching or gnashing teeth, facial pain or tenderness, altered jaw movement, headaches, earaches and more. Other physical signs may include damaged teeth, worn tooth enamel, flattened areas on cheeks and tongue indentations. Symptoms caused by Bruxism may include the following:
Facial pain
Symptoms of bruxism can include facial pain. The pain is often especially pronounced in the areas around the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and muscles of the jaw. Facial pain caused by bruxism can be ongoing or intermittent. Facial pain in bruxism sufferers can be worse when they are biting or chewing.
Headache
Bruxism sufferers may experience facial pain, headache, tooth pain and sensitivity, difficulty sleeping, and jaw soreness. These may occur from muscle tension and strain due to grinding and clenching the teeth. Headaches related to bruxism can often be located in the temples, forehead or back of the head.
Jaw muscle changes
Bruxism can sometimes cause changes in the appearance and function of the jaw muscles. The muscles may become enlarged, tense, or tender, and may cause difficulty with jaw movement or pain when opening or closing the mouth.
Tooth wear
Bruxism can cause tooth wear which may lead to teeth chipping chip, cracking, or fracturing (breaking). Teeth may also become shorter or more pointed over time. Symptoms of Bruxism include teeth that chip, crack, or break.
Changes in the face
In some severe cases of bruxism, the constant grinding and clenching of the teeth can cause changes in the shape of the face. The face may become longer, narrower, or more asymmetrical as the teeth wear down and the jaw muscles become enlarged.
It’s important to note that the changes caused by bruxism may be reversible with appropriate treatment, such as the use of a night-guard to prevent grinding and clenching, and may be less severe in patients who receive treatment early on. Find a dental professional for an evaluation and to discuss treatment options.
How do you prevent bruxism?
Preventing bruxism (grinding & clenching) is not always possible, below are a some tips for bruxism prevention:
Avoid or reduce stress
A good start to is to try and lower the amount of stress in your life (easier said than done in my experience!). Things like exercising, meditating, or using relaxation techniques can all be used as methods for reducing stress levels which will ultimately help with bruxism prevention.
Avoid too much caffeine to help prevent bruxism symptoms
Avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol
One relatively straightforward way to help reduce the risk of bruxism is to avoid or limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol. Both are stimulants that can lead to increased muscle activity in the jaw, sothe logic is if you limit your use of caffeine and alcohol it should help to decrease your risk of bruxism symptoms.
Avoid or limit hard and chewy foods
One of the easiest things you can do to reduce your chances of developing bruxism is to avoid or limit hard and chewy foods. Chewing on these types of food can put an extra strain on your teeth and jaws, which can make it more likely that you’ll develop bruxism. Cutting down on these kinds of food may help to minimise the risk.
Use a night-guard
If you grind your teeth at night, a night-guard may be recommended to protect your teeth from the grinding forces. A nightguard is a custom-made plastic appliance that is worn over the teeth at night to help prevent grinding and clenching.
Seek treatment for any underlying conditions
It’s worth noting that bruxism can also be a symptom of an underlying condition. Sleep apnea and TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) are common underlying issues. If you have bruxism and are experiencing other symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
It’s important to note that while these tips may help to prevent bruxism, they may not work for everyone. If you are experiencing symptoms of bruxism, it’s worth finding a dentist for an evaluation and to discuss treatment options.
What are the neurological causes of bruxism?
There are numerous neurological factors that could contribute to bruxism. We will cover some of them in depth below:
Is stress or anxiety a bruxism cause?
Common emotional triggers for bruxism are as discussed above, stress and anxiety. Many people who grind their teeth or clench their jaw do so in response to these kind of emotions. Stress activates the body’s “fight or flight” response, which can cause a person to clench their teeth as a way to release tension. In a similar fashion, anxiety can lead to teeth grinding or jaw clenching as an automatic coping mechanism when feeling nervous or worrying.
In some cases, bruxism caused by stress or anxiety may resolve on its own once the underlying emotional issue has been addressed. But in some cases, bruxism may persist and will require treatment to prevent long-term damage to the teeth and jaws as listed above. Treatment options for stress or anxiety-related bruxism may include stress management techniques, such as therapy or meditation, as well as medications to relax the muscles of the jaw and reduce teeth grinding.
Are sleep disorders a cause of bruxism?
Yes, sleep disorders are a relatively common cause of bruxism, and many people who grind their teeth or clench their jaw do so while they are asleep. Some sleep disorders that have been linked to bruxism include:
- Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s airway becomes blocked during sleep, leading to repeated awakenings and disrupted sleep. Sleep apnea sufferers may grind their teeth or clench their jaw as an automatic coping mechanism to deal with the stress and anxiety caused by their sleep disorder.
- PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder) is a condition in which a person’s legs or arms move involuntarily during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep. People with PLMD may grind their teeth or clench their jaw as a result of the muscle contractions that occur during these movements.
- RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) is a condition in which a person experiences an irresistible urge to move their legs, often due to uncomfortable sensations. People with RLS may grind their teeth or clench their jaw as a way to cope with the discomfort and anxiety caused by their condition.
Do medications cause bruxism?
Yes, there are some medications that can cause bruxism as a side effect, and some people who grind their teeth or clench their jaw do so while they are taking these medications.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Neuroleptic drugs
- Stimulant medications such as amphetamines (and caffeine as noted above)
What neurological conditions can cause bruxism?
Several neurological conditions can cause bruxism. These neurological conditions that have been associated with bruxism include:
- Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance. People with Parkinson’s disease may grind their teeth as a result of the muscle rigidity and changes in sleep patterns that are associated with the condition.
- Multiple sclerosis which is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. For those who have multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms and changes in sleep patterns can occur which can sometimes lead to teeth grinding.
- Epilepsy (a neurological disorder) may lead to those who have it grinding their teeth during or after a seizure.
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries can affect the brain’s ability to regulate muscle tension and sleep patterns, leading to teeth grinding.
Does substance abuse cause bruxism?
Yes, substance abuse (particularly alcohol and drug abuse) can cause bruxism. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol people usually leads to mood and behaviour changes and they may also experience changes in their sleep patterns and/or have increased muscle tension, which can in turn lead to teeth grinding and sometimes clenching.
There are several mechanisms by which substance abuse can cause bruxism. Alcohol and drugs can alter the brain’s chemistry, leading to changes in sleep patterns and muscle tension. Alcohol and drugs can also affect the neurotransmitters that regulate mood and behavior, in turn leading to clenching and/or grinding of the teeth.
In addition to causing bruxism, substance abuse can also exacerbate existing cases of teeth grinding. If a person already has a tendency to grind their teeth, substance abuse may make the problem worse. It is important for individuals who abuse substances to seek treatment to address their substance abuse and any related dental issues.
How can TMJ help with bruxism?
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that affects the joints that connect the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. It can cause a variety of symptoms such as jaw pain, headache, earache, and difficulty with jaw movement. One of the common symptoms associated with TMJ is bruxism, which is the habit of unconsciously grinding or clenching one’s teeth due to inflammation in the muscles surrounding the joint.
In order to help reduce these symptoms and improve jaw function, treatment for TMJ may involve a combination of medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes such as avoiding hard and chewy foods, and using a nightguard. If you have bruxism and are experiencing other TMJ-related symptoms it is important to see a healthcare provider to receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.