Bruxism, known as chronic teeth grinding, can cause painful symptoms in the teeth, jaws, and facial muscles. People living with bruxism know how much it impacts their quality of life.

Fortunately, treating bruxism pain is possible. This blog article will explain bruxism, share some home care techniques, and outline what a dentist can do to help.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is more than grinding teeth. It is a complex condition tied to genetic, psychological, and physical factors. The condition divides into two types: sleep bruxism and awake bruxism. Some patients have both types.

 

Bruxism may be difficult to distinguish from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome or other disorders that cause jaw and ear pain. For this reason, seeing a dentist or physician is a must when you experience symptoms of bruxism.

Symptoms

• Tenderness in the jaw muscles
• Dental problems like missing or broken teeth
• Damage to the inside of the cheeks from chewing or grinding
• Bone damage that your dentist can see on an X-ray

Causes

Physicians have not pinpointed an exact cause for this condition but have identified some contributing factors.

 

Awake bruxism may have a stronger connection to emotional symptoms like tension, stress, anxiety, and frustration. Some people use it as a coping strategy. Others may grind or clench their teeth as they concentrate.

Home Care Techniques

Most home care recommendations for bruxism focus on relaxing your jaw muscles during the day and avoiding triggers. Stay away from activities that aggravate the sore muscles in your jaws and face.

• Use hot compresses or ice packs to help with discomfort
• Avoid eating hard foods like popcorn, nuts, and hard candy
• Consider avoiding sticky foods that are hard to chew, like peanut butter and taffy
• Avoid chewing gum
• Use a pillow with good head and neck support

 

Other supportive techniques include:

• Massage
• Warm baths at bedtime
• Jaw exercises to relax and stretch overworked muscles
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Behavioral health treatment for anxiety or depression

Mouthguards

Even while practicing the above home care techniques, patients with bruxism pain should ask their dentist about receiving a mouthguard or oral splint to wear at night. The splint or mouthguard keeps the jaws slightly apart at night, encouraging them to relax and preventing tooth damage from grinding and clenching. 

Further Recommendations

If your dentist believes your problem stems from a sleep disorder, you may benefit from a visit to a doctor specializing in sleep medicine. You may need a sleep study to determine if underlying conditions cause your problem.

Call Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry

You don't have to live with bruxism pain. If you regularly grind or clench your teeth, call Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry at 631-351-3444 . We can prescribe an oral splint to keep you from grinding your teeth at night and check for signs of tooth damage from excessive wear. We can also show you techniques to reduce muscle stress and tension.

Bruxism is another name for chronic teeth grinding. About 30% of the population habitually grind their teeth, and about 10% to 15% of all adults consistently experience bruxism at night.

Teeth grinding can lead to worn, damaged teeth and enamel, jaw and neck pain, headaches, and facial pain. Bruxism can also damage dental restorations, cosmetic dentistry work, and implants. Fortunately, dentists have strategies to relieve this increasingly common condition, including prescribing custom-made mouthguards and helping patients modify their behavior. 

Causes of Bruxism

Stress and Mood Factors

People who feel distress, tension, depression, and nervousness are more likely to grind their teeth.

Genetics

Genetic factors can determine whether a person has bruxism.

Alcohol or Caffeine Consumption

If a person consumes alcohol or caffeine, it could lead them to grind their teeth.

Smoking

Smoking or using nicotine in any form increases the risk of bruxism.

Medications

Certain prescriptions like antidepressants, anti-seizure, and ADHD medications could worsen teeth grinding.

Consequences of Bruxism

Chronic teeth grinding can cause tooth damage, jaw soreness, headache, and facial pain.

If you grind your teeth to excess, they may wear down, damaging the enamel and weakening it to the point where you experience periodontal disease and tooth loss. You could fracture or crack teeth, requiring new implants or crowns. For these reasons, seek bruxism treatment promptly without waiting for the condition to cause additional problems.

Diagnosing Bruxism

If you believe you grind your teeth, your dentist can diagnose your condition using a physical exam. They will examine your teeth, muscles, and temporomandibular joints (TMJs) for signs of the condition. Report all related symptoms to your dentist so they can reach an accurate diagnosis. You may require a sleep study ordered by your primary care physician and dentist for sleep bruxism.

Management of Bruxism

If you have bruxism, you may worry that it is an unbreakable habit that will continue to cause tooth damage and discomfort. However, dentists have several options to help you feel better.

Behavioral Changes

Your dentist can help you properly hold your lips, tongue, and teeth. They may instruct you to rest your tongue so the lips stay closed and the teeth stay apart.

Medication Changes

If your medications cause bruxism, you may need to change your formulation or brand.

Mouthguards

Your dentist can prescribe a custom-made mouthguard or oral splint that holds your jaw in the proper position during sleep. A mouthguard from the dentist is superior to an over-the-counter model.

Stress Relief

Many patients with bruxism find relief after taking the time to reduce stress in their lives. Meditation, yoga, concentrating on getting proper sleep, and cutting back on alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine can help.

Call Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, talk to your dentist about treatment options. They can relieve your discomfort and protect your teeth from further damage.

 

Bruxism, also called teeth grinding, is a very common condition that can cause tooth damage and jaw pain. It can also worsen conditions like TMJ disorder.

 

The most effective treatment for bruxism is wearing custom night guards created by your dentist. Night guards protect your teeth, keeping the upper and lower teeth apart and allowing the jaw muscles to relax fully.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a term for chronic teeth grinding during the day or at night. People may grind their teeth for many reasons, including stress, missing teeth, and a misaligned dental bite.

If you have bruxism, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms or related conditions:

• Sleep disruptions
• Morning headaches and facial pain
• Tooth fractures
• Premature tooth wear
• Loose or painful teeth
• Pain when eating
• TMJ disorder

 

In some cases, you may need a comprehensive medical sleep study to confirm the presence of bruxism. Speak to your dentist and primary care physician with any sleep-related concerns.

Causes

Many people grind their teeth due to high anxiety and stress levels. A tooth-grinding habit can become entrenched and persist even after the source of stress resolves. Dentists also implicate alcohol and tobacco use, especially before bedtime.

 

Structural problems with the teeth and jaws can also worsen bruxism. You may involuntarily clench or grind if you have poorly aligned or missing teeth.

Treatment for Bruxism

Bruxism can interfere with your sleep, relaxation, and oral health. If you have symptoms of this disorder, call us as soon as possible to discuss options for relief.

Custom Night Guards

Night guards for bruxism can help to prevent much of the damage caused by this condition. The night guard protects the teeth from rubbing together during sleep, preventing tooth fractures and premature wear and breaking the cycle of bruxism. It may take a few weeks to become accustomed to wearing a night guard.

Muscle Relaxants

Sometimes physicians prescribe muscle relaxants to patients with bruxism, but complementary medicine and night guards are likely more effective.

Stress Management

Many patients with bruxism benefit from managing their stress and anxiety. Yoga, meditation, gentle stretching, talk therapy, and anti-anxiety medications can help. Talk to your dentist about whether stress management could help you overcome bruxism.

Call Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry

If you have bruxism, you know how much this disorder can interfere with your life. The painful symptoms may keep you awake at night and make you irritable during the day. Fortunately, your dentist can help you feel better and protect your teeth from future damage.

 

Please don't hesitate to call our Melville, NY, office at 631-351-3444 or our Springfield, NJ office at 973-315-7830 if you believe you have bruxism. We can schedule a consultation to check on your teeth and ensure their future health. WIth proper treatment, we can relieve your pain and help you relax.