Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding or jaw clenching, is a common oral problem caused by parafunctional activity. Although it is common to see bruxism during sleep, it can also occur while awake, which is called awake bruxism.
What are the Causes of Bruxism?
Although there are several researches on bruxism, the exact causes are not fully understood. However, here are some of the possible reasons for bruxism:
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress can trigger bruxism.
- Sleep disorders: Sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and various sleep disorders can trigger it.
- Misaligned teeth: Misaligned teeth can put extra stress on the jaw muscles and cause teeth grinding.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, can cause bruxism as a common side effect.
- Substance abuse: Excessive consumption of various substances such as alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine can cause teeth grinding.
What are the Symptoms of Bruxism?
Bruxism can wear away tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and a flattened appearance. In addition, constant clenching or grinding can cause pain and tenderness in the jaw muscles.
Headaches, earaches, facial pain, or pain in the neck and shoulders are also common symptoms of bruxism.
How to Prevent and Treat Bruxism?
To prevent bruxism, it is recommended that you have regular dental checkups, maintain a consistent sleep schedule, limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine consumption, use a custom-made night guard, and practice stress reduction techniques.
If you already have symptoms of bruxism, it is recommended that you contact your dentist for dental treatment or physical or behavioral therapy. In some cases, medications such as muscle relaxants or pain relievers can be used to manage and treat bruxism.
