BRUXISM - TEETH GRINDING

Bruxism is one of the most common-known sleep disorders and causes most of its damage during sleeping hours. Grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw are the two main characteristics of this condition.

The clenching and grinding that accompanies bruxism is symptomatic of a malfunctioning chewing reflex, which is turned off in non-sufferers when sleeping. For sufferers, deep sleep or even naps cause the reflex nerve control center in the brain to turn off and the reflex pathways to become active.

Typically, the incisors and canines (front six upper and lower teeth) of opposing arches grind against each other laterally. This side-to-side action puts undue strain on the medial pterygoid muscles and the temporomandibular joints. Earache, depression, headaches, eating disorders and anxiety are among the most common symptoms of bruxism.

Bruxism is frequently misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, because it is only one of several potential causes of tooth wear. Only a trained professional can tell the difference between bruxing wear and wear caused by overly aggressive brushing, acidic soft drinks and abrasive foods.W

What are some symptoms of bruxism?

In general, parents can usually hear intense grinding – especially when it occurs at nighttime. Subtle daytime jaw clenching and grinding, however, can be difficult to pinpoint. Symptoms include:

  • Frequent complaints of headache

  • Injured teeth and gums

  • Loud grinding or clicking sounds

  • Rhythmic tightening or clenching of the jaw muscles

  • Unusual complaints about painful jaw muscles – especially in the morning

  • Unusual tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods

Reasons to promptly treat bruxism:

  • GUM RECESSION & TOOTH LOSS – Bruxism is one of the leading causes of gum recession and tooth loss. It damages the soft tissue directly and leads to loose teeth and deep pockets, where bacteria can colonize and destroy the supporting bone. 

  • OCCLUSAL TRAUMA – The abnormal wear patterns on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces can lead to fractures in the teeth, which may require restorative treatment.

  • ARTHRITIS – In severe and chronic cases, bruxing can eventually lead to painful arthritis in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints (the joints that allow the jaw to open smoothly).

  • MYOFASCIAL PAIN – The grinding associated with bruxism can eventually shorten and blunt the teeth. This can lead to debilitating headaches and muscle pain in the myofascial region.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR BRUXISM

There is no single cure for bruxism, though a variety of helpful devices and tools are available, including:

  • HARD/SOFT NIGHTGUARDS – An acrylic nightguard can be designed from tooth impressions to minimize the abrasive action of tooth surfaces during normal sleep. Nightguards should be worn on a long-term basis to help to stabilize the occlusion as well as prevent damage to teeth and to the temporomandibular joint.

  • XEOMIN WRINKLE RELAXER INJECTIONS – Xeomin® can be injected into the muscles to relax and weaken them. These injections are an excellent treatment for bruxism because they weaken the muscles enough to prevent grinding but not enough to interfere with everyday functions like chewing and speaking.