Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, most commonly during sleep. It can cause jaw joint pain, morning headaches, and lead to tooth wear or loosening.
Although more frequent at night, bruxism can also happen during the day. It is often related to stress or anxiety, but may also be linked to genetic factors or breathing issues such as sleep apnea.
Treatment for bruxism is usually managed by a dentist or primary care doctor and often involves using a night guard. In some cases, short-term use of muscle relaxants or botox injections may be recommended.
Common symptoms
The main symptoms of bruxism include:
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Morning headache
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Ringing in the ears or ear pain
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Facial pain upon waking
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Jaw pain
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Clicking or popping in the jaw when opening or closing the mouth
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Daytime fatigue caused by poor sleep quality
These symptoms are most noticeable in the morning, as teeth clenching and grinding tend to occur while sleeping.
If not treated, bruxism can also cause tooth surface wear, loose teeth, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
Confirming a diagnosis
Diagnosis of bruxism is made by a dentist or doctor through evaluation of symptoms, the condition of the teeth, and signs of wear.
In some cases, the dentist may recommend a polysomnography, a sleep study that helps determine the severity of bruxism.
Possible causes
The main causes of bruxism include:
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Stress, anxiety, or tension
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Genetic predisposition
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
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Snoring or sleep apnea
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Mouth breathing during sleep
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Parkinson’s disease
Excessive intake of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs can also increase the frequency of bruxism during both the day and night.
Treatment options
Treatment for bruxism should be guided by a dentist or doctor to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
1. Night guard
A night guard for bruxism is prescribed by a dentist to prevent friction and wear between teeth and to protect the temporomandibular joints.
It is typically worn at night, helping to ease jaw pain, reduce muscle tension, and prevent headaches caused by clenching and grinding.
Night guards can also be recommended for children with bruxism.
2. Warm compresses
Applying warm compresses to the jaw for about 15 minutes before bedtime can help relax the muscles and reduce episodes of bruxism.
3. Relaxation techniques
Relaxation practices such as meditation or massage may help lower stress and anxiety, preventing bruxism or reducing its symptoms.
4. Medications for bruxism
When bruxism causes severe discomfort or problems with the temporomandibular joint, a doctor may prescribe short-term use of muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety medications.
If bruxism is linked to gastroesophageal reflux, treatment by a gastroenterologist may involve medications such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, along with dietary adjustments. Both omeprazole and lansoprazole are FDA-approved.
5. Botox for bruxism
In severe cases, botox injections may be recommended for bruxism. This involves injecting botulinum toxin type A into specific jaw muscles.
These injections reduce muscle contractions in the temporomandibular joint, lowering the frequency of bruxism episodes and easing symptoms.