What is bruxism, and why does it need to be treated?
Bruxism is a condition in which an individual grinds the teeth of their upper and lower jaws against one another repetitively. It is very common today and found across many cultures. Negative repercussions from bruxism can lead to the ultimate destruction of tooth tissues and compromise of the facial musculature.
For most, active bruxism occurs during natural sleep cycles. Tooth grinding during sleep is one reason individuals suffer from bruxism without awareness. It may only be when an individual has tooth or jaw discomfort associated with bruxism that they go to their dental provider for a formal diagnosis.
Bruxism requires treatment to prevent several dental conditions. The destruction of the external tooth tissues is of most concern due to the repetitive frictional forces of tooth grinding. Without diagnosis and treatment, the enamel will wear away, followed by the dentin, leaving the vulnerable inner tooth tissue exposed to the hostile environment of the oral cavity.
Both natural teeth and restorations can become fractured, cracked or damaged from tooth grinding. Additionally, the constant frictional forces on the teeth can degrade the supportive ligaments surrounding the tooth root. This can lead to loose teeth and periodontal issues, including gum recession and weakened root support.
Over time, bruxism can also damage the temporal mandibular joint, or TMJ, from constant wear and tear. A damaged TMJ can result in discomfort and noise-making during chewing, such as clicking, popping or creaking.
What are the causes of bruxism?
People may grind their teeth for a variety of reasons, such as stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, or even an abnormal bite. It can also occur during sleep due to sleep disorders or while awake as a subconscious habit.
Poorly aligned teeth can also lead to bruxism because the misalignment can cause an uneven distribution of the biting force. This can create stress on certain teeth and jaw muscles, prompting the individual to grind their teeth to find a more comfortable position for their bite. Seeking orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth can help alleviate this issue and reduce the likelihood of teeth grinding.
How can I be treated for bruxism?
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s important to speak with your trusted dentist at Bonham Sunshine Dental and Implant Center immediately. The only way to prevent further issues is to intercept the habit and repair the damage caused by grinding.
Thankfully, there are a few options for our patients to prevent further damage from occurring:
- Mouthguards or splints: These protective devices can be worn at night to prevent teeth grinding and protect the teeth from damage.
- Stress management techniques: Since stress and anxiety can contribute to teeth grinding, relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises may help reduce grinding.
- Dental correction: In cases where poorly aligned teeth contribute to grinding, orthodontic treatment or dental correction may be recommended to address the underlying issue.
- Behavior modification: Being mindful of teeth clenching and consciously positioning the tongue and jaw to relax the muscles may help reduce grinding.
Options for treating the damage caused by bruxism
Depending on the case, once your dentist has formally diagnosed you with bruxism, you may need to schedule repairs to damaged teeth. Many patients have broken or cracked teeth or need to restore the worn edges of affected teeth.
Fortunately, Dr. Ramchand is skilled in restoring your smile to its original state. This can be accomplished with tooth-colored fillings, crowns, bridges or veneers. If the enamel on your teeth is worn from bruxism, it is very important to protect these surfaces with restorations. Without proper protection, the damaged teeth will be susceptible to sensitivity and, in some cases, cavity-prone.
For periodontal issues that arise from bruxism, your dentist can replace the gums that may have receded around the teeth. This can be done with gingival grafting, where healthy gum tissue is reattached to missing areas. Gingival grafting helps protect the root surfaces of the teeth that may become exposed due to bruxism.
If your teeth have become loosened due to years of wear and tear from bruxism, your dentist may suggest splinting them to help keep them supported during chewing and speaking throughout the day.
As critical as repairing the damage caused by bruxism is managing the condition itself. In most cases, your dentist prescribes and custom-makes a mouthguard for you. Adapting to wearing a mouthguard, in addition to any of the other suggestions mentioned above, is essential to prevent further damage to your teeth, gums, and TMJ.
Conclusion:
Stress can cause physical issues in many areas of our bodies, including our mouths. Careful attention to discomfort and signs of damage due to bruxism is key to quickly managing the disorder. If you are suffering from bruxism, call Bonham Sunshine Dental and Implant Center in Bonham, Texas, for an appointment! We are here to help!
Resources:
Attanasio, R. (1997). An overview of bruxism and its management. Dental Clinics of North America, 41(2), 229-241.
Basic, V., & Mehulic, K. (2004). Bruxism: an unsolved problem in dental medicine. Acta Stomat Croat, 38(1), 93-96.
Cadar, M., & Almăşan, O. (2024). Dental occlusion characteristics in subjects with bruxism. Medicine and Pharmacy Reports, 97(1), 70-75. https://doi.org/10.15386/mpr-2548
