Bruxism is a very common condition characterized by the involuntary clenching and grinding of your teeth. Many patients also clench their jaw repeatedly without moving their teeth. Although episodes of bruxism can occur during the day, it is much more common at night when you are asleep. Many patients don’t even realize that they are suffering with bruxism right away. However, if you develop any of the follow symptoms, it may be that you are affected by this condition:

-         Pain and stiffness in you jaw

-         Pain in the face

-         Headaches, particularly when you first wake up

-         Teeth that seem short/eroded

-         Teeth that are sensitive to hot/cold food and drink

-         Earache

-         Cracks or chips in your teeth for no apparent reason

Unfortunately, bruxism has the potential to do significant damage to your teeth unless it is treated promptly. Patients suffering from bruxism are more likely to develop problems including:

-         Worn tooth enamel

-         Fractures and chips to their teeth

-         Receding gums

-         Painful teeth

-         Teeth that seem loose

Understanding what causes bruxism is the best way to prevent the condition from occurring and causing you irreversible dental damage.
 

Causes of bruxism

It is estimated that approximately 10% of adults will experience bruxism at some point during their lifetime. There can be varying reasons as to why a person might suddenly develop this condition. Research has shown that the following are some of the most common triggers for bruxism.

Stress or anxiety

There are many different things that can contribute towards us becoming stressed or anxious, from pressure at work to health worries, or problems within our personal lives. Whatever is triggering these emotions could also be causing you to experience bruxism. When we are stressed our bodies automatically become tense. This includes our jaw and teeth, which we may then clench. Patients who suffer from bruxism usually have stress or anxiety in common and it is estimated that 70% of bruxism cases occur as a result of these factors. By reducing stress in your life, you can significantly reduce your risk of bruxism.

Sleep disorders

Studies have also found that sleep disorders are a major contributor the development of bruxism. This includes snoring, sleep apnea, sleep talking and sleep walking. Speak to our dentist if you believe that you are suffering from any of the sleep disorders listed above.

Bite and alignment problems

If you hear our dentist talking about your ‘bite’ he/she is referring to the way that your teeth come together when your mouth is closed, and your jaw relaxed. Many people find that their teeth don’t meet perfectly, which is a sign of jaw misalignment. However, this also makes teeth more likely to rub against one another. Fortunately, bite problems can normally be resolved using an orthodontic solution such as a brace.

Lifestyle factors

Patients who drink alcohol excessively, smoke or consume too much caffeine are also at greater risk of developing bruxism. By making a few lifestyle changes, you can make the chances of suffering from the condition much less likely.

Medication side effects

Most medications have some sort of side effects. A few are well known for inducing problems including teeth clenching and grinding. This is particularly the case for psychiatric medications and antidepressants, as well as drugs used to help manage neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s. If you are unable to move on to a different medication, our dentist may recommend that you get a custom-designed mouth guard to wear while you sleep. This sits over the top of your teeth and protects them from contact with one another. Therefore if you do clench or grind, the soft plastic of the mouth guard will absorb all of the force and damage.

If you are concerned that you may be experiencing episodes of bruxism, we recommend that you get seen by a member of our dental team as soon as possible. Prompt diagnosis can help to prevent your teeth from being badly damaged by the condition. Please contact us today to schedule your appointment.