Bruxism

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism refers to the grinding of the teeth and the clenching of the jaw, which can occur either during the day or at night. It is an oral para-functional activity that occurs in most humans at some point in their lives. Bruxism is one of the most common known sleep disorders and causes most of its damage during sleeping hours. The clenching and grinding associated with bruxism are symptomatic of a malfunctioning chewing reflex, which is typically turned off in non-sufferers when sleeping.

Typically, the incisors and canines (front 6 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, which often accompanies chronic stress, Alzheimer’s disease, and alcohol abuse.

Diagnosing 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 distinguish bruxing wear from wear caused by overly aggressive brushing, acidic soft drinks, and abrasive foods. A BiteStrip® is an economical device used to diagnose bruxism at home. The device is a small electromyography that senses and monitors any activity in the jaw muscles during sleep. The frequency and severity of the condition can then be assessed, and the best treatment plan can be formulated.

Reasons for Treating Bruxism

Here are some of the main reasons why bruxism should be promptly treated:

  • Gum recession and tooth loss: Bruxism can contribute to gum recession and tooth loss by damaging the soft tissue directly and causing 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 damage of surrounding bone and fractures in the teeth.
  • Arthritis: In severe and chronic cases, bruxism can eventually lead to painful arthritis in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints.
  • Myofascial pain: The grinding associated with bruxism can shorten and blunt the teeth, leading to muscle pain in the myofascial region and debilitating headaches.

Treatment Options for Bruxism

There is no single cure for bruxism, but a variety of helpful devices and tools are available. Here are some common ways in which bruxism is treated:

  • Mouthguards: An acrylic mouthguard can be designed and fitted by a health professional from digital impressions to minimize the abrasive action of tooth surfaces during normal sleep. Mouthguards should be worn on a long-term basis to help prevent tooth damage, damage to the temporomandibular joint, and help stabilize the occlusion.
  • NTI-tss device: This device is fitted by a health professional and only covers the front teeth. The goal of the NTI-tss is to prevent the grinding of the rear molars by limiting the contraction of the temporalis muscle.
  • Botox®: Botox® can be injected into the muscles to relax and weaken them. Botox® is an excellent treatment for bruxism because it weakens the muscles enough to prevent grinding, but not enough to interfere with everyday functions like chewing and speaking.
  • Photobiomodulation: Light therapy can minimize inflammation of the muscles and joints, thus reducing pain and discomfort.
  • Other methods: Relaxation exercises, stress management education, and biofeedback mechanisms can also be effective. When the bruxing is under control, dental procedures such as crowns, gum grafts, and crown lengthening can restore a pleasant aesthetic appearance to the smile.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism, please ask your dentist or periodontist.