Overview
Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you're awake (awake bruxism) or clench or grind them during sleep (sleep bruxism).
Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. People who clench or grind their teeth (brux) during sleep are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and pauses in breathing (sleep apnea).
Mild bruxism may not require treatment. However, in some people, bruxism can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems.
Because you may have sleep bruxism and be unaware of it until complications develop, it's important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and to seek regular dental care.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of bruxism may include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to wake up your sleep partner
- Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose
- Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
- Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
- Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won't open or close completely
- Jaw, neck or face pain or soreness
- Pain that feels like an earache, though it's actually not a problem with your ear
- Dull headache starting in the temples
- Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek
- Sleep disruption
When to see a doctor
See your dentist or doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above or have other concerns about your teeth or jaw.
If you notice that your child is grinding his or her teeth — or has other signs or symptoms of bruxism — be sure to mention it at your child's next dental appointment.
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Causes
Doctors don't completely understand what causes bruxism, but it may be due to a combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors.
- Awake bruxism may be due to emotions such as anxiety, stress, anger, frustration or tension. Or it may be a coping strategy or a habit during deep concentration.
- Sleep bruxism may be a sleep-related chewing activity associated with arousals during sleep.
Risk factors
These factors increase your risk of bruxism:
- Stress. Increased anxiety or stress can lead to teeth grinding. So can anger and frustration.
- Age. Bruxism is common in young children, but it usually goes away by adulthood.
- Personality type. Having a personality type that's aggressive, competitive or hyperactive can increase your risk of bruxism.
- Medications and other substances. Bruxism may be an uncommon side effect of some psychiatric medications, such as certain antidepressants. Smoking tobacco, drinking caffeinated beverages or alcohol, or using recreational drugs may increase the risk of bruxism.
- Family members with bruxism. Sleep bruxism tends to occur in families. If you have bruxism, other members of your family also may have bruxism or a history of it.
- Other disorders. Bruxism can be associated with some mental health and medical disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, night terrors, sleep-related disorders such as sleep apnea, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Complications
In most cases, bruxism doesn't cause serious complications. But severe bruxism may lead to:
- Damage to your teeth, restorations, crowns or jaw
- Tension-type headaches
- Severe facial or jaw pain
- Disorders that occur in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), located just in front of your ears, which may sound like clicking when you open and close your mouth
Aug. 10, 2017
FAQs
Bruxism is when you clench, grind or gnash your teeth. It usually happens subconsciously, either during waking hours or when you're asleep. Causes include stress, anxiety, sleep disorders and certain medications. Most people who grind their teeth can ease symptoms with a custom mouth guard.
What causes bruxism and grinding teeth? ›
Causes
- Psychosocial factors: Stress, mood, distress, nervousness, and “feeling blue.”
- A person's genes.
- Consuming alcohol or caffeine.
- Smoking.
- Medications: Certain medicines used to treat depression, seizures, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may increase the chances of having bruxism.
Chronic, involuntary teeth grinding – technically called bruxism – can lead to all sorts of health problems. You could crack or fracture your teeth, which may require crowns or dental implants. You could also wear down the enamel on your teeth, leading to periodontal disease or lost teeth.
How do you fix bruxism? ›
These self-care steps may prevent or help treat bruxism:
- Reduce stress. ...
- Avoid stimulating substances in the evening. ...
- Practice good sleep habits. ...
- Talk to your sleep partner. ...
- Schedule regular dental exams.
Many people get confused between bruxism and TMJ disorder. They can be associated and interrelated but they are two very different things. Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a condition which occurs as a result of an individual grinding or clenching their teeth.
What vitamin deficiency causes teeth grinding? ›
After analyzing the data, the authors found an association between deficient levels of vitamin D and the severity of bruxism. More individuals reporting moderate and severe bruxism were deficient in vitamin D concentrations than those experiencing no symptoms or other levels of tooth clenching or grinding, they wrote.
What neurological disorders cause teeth grinding? ›
Bruxism can be associated with some mental health and medical disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, night terrors, sleep-related disorders such as sleep apnea, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
What happens if bruxism is left untreated? ›
If bruxism goes untreated, it may lead to jaw muscle and joint problems. These are known as TMJ problems or TMD (temporomandibular disorder). You could even lose your teeth.
What aggravates bruxism? ›
Bruxism often affects people with nervous tension, such as anger, pain, or frustration. It also affects people with aggressive, hurried, or overly competitive tendencies. There is some proof that in some people, bruxism is caused by an imbalance in brain neurotransmitters.
How to stop teeth grinding at night naturally? ›
To stop grinding your teeth, check out these seven treatment options and techniques you could try today to experience some relief.
- Get a Nighttime Mouth Guard. ...
- Start Exercising. ...
- Relax Right Before Bed. ...
- Massage Your Jaw Muscles. ...
- Become More Conscious of Your Clenching. ...
- Stop Chewing Everything but Food. ...
- Avoid Chewy Foods.
Most children eventually outgrow bruxism and suffer no permanent damage to their teeth. Of all children who brux between the ages of 3 and 10, more than half will stop on their own by age 13. In teenagers and adults, how long bruxism lasts depends on its cause.
How do I relax my jaw to stop grinding my teeth? ›
Open your mouth wide while touching your tongue to your front teeth. This helps relax the jaw. Say the letter “N” out loud. This will keep your top and bottom teeth from touching and help you avoid clenching.
How do dentists fix bruxism? ›
Three main types of restorative dentistry for bruxism include dental crowns, composite bonding, and porcelain veneers. A dental night guard can help prevent future instances of tooth damage caused by grinding.
Which teeth are most affected by bruxism? ›
The distal corners of the maxillary central and lateral incisors are very common areas where damage from bruxism is noticed.
What does bruxism pain feel like? ›
Bruxism symptoms
Headaches or facial pain, especially in the morning. Earaches. Sore jaw muscles. Tinnitus (ringing in your ears).
What is the pain pattern of bruxism? ›
A history of jaw discomfort or fatigue upon awakening in the morning along with a finding of excessive tooth wear or enlarged jaw muscles is very suggestive of sleep bruxism. In addition, frequently awakening with a headache in the morning may be due to bruxism.
How do I stop grinding and clenching my teeth at night? ›
6+ Remedies for Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
- Mouthguards.
- Reductive coronoplasty.
- Botox.
- Biofeedback.
- Reduce stress.
- Jaw exercises.
- Complications.
- Seeking help.
Causes of teeth grinding
It's often linked to: stress and anxiety – this is the most common cause of teeth grinding. sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnoea. taking certain medicines, including a type of antidepressant known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
What medications cause bruxism? ›
3. INDIVIDUAL MEDICATIONS POTENTIALLY INDUCING BRUXISM
- 3.1. Aripiprazole. The atypical antipsychotic medication aripiprazole is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. ...
- 3.2. Atomoxetine. ...
- 3.3. Duloxetine. ...
- 3.4. Flecainide. ...
- 3.5. Ketotifen. ...
- 3.6. Methadone. ...
- 3.7. Venlafaxine.
