Bruxism

Bruxism is a term for grinding, gnashing or clenching the teeth.  Some people only clench their teeth, others both clench and grind. 

In most cases, bruxism is mild and does not cause any symptoms.  Bruxism can, however, be intense and lead to teeth wear and breakage, face or jaw pain and clicking, tension and migraine headaches, neck pain, and other problems.

Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism

§                 Grinding that  may be loud enough to wake a sleep partner

§                 Teeth that are worn down, flattened, chipped or even split.

§                 V-shaped grooves (abfractions) in the teeth at the junction of the tooth and the gum.

§                 Increased tooth sensitivity

§                 Loosening of the teeth

§                 Jaw pain or tightness in your jaw muscles

§                 Earaches not related to ear problems

§                 Dull morning headache, evening or sleep tension headaches or migraines

§                 Chronic facial pain (TMJ pain)

§                 Chewed tissue on the inside of your cheek

Causes

Bruxism can be caused by irregularities in how the teeth occlude.  It may have a genetic component.  Psychological factors such as suppressed anger and frustration, aggressive or Type A personality or stress, anxiety and tension can exacerbate its intensity and frequency. 

Certain illnesses such as Huntington's disease or Parkinson's disease can be a cause of bruxism.  Some psychiatric medications including antidepressants also have bruxism as a side affect.  

Diagnosis

Excessive teeth wear, broken teeth, filling or crowns and tooth sensitivity especially to cold and pressure can be picked up by a dentist during a dental exam

If your dentist thinks that grind or clench excessively, he or she may ask questions that will elicit information about  your stress level, clenching or grinding history, medications you may be taking, head or face pain and he may press certain muscles in and around your head checking for sensitivity or pain.  He will also clinically check for broken or poor tooth position and take a series of x-rays to evaluate the bone that supports the teeth.

Treatment

Although in many cases, no treatment is necessary if either clenching or grinding is intense and prolonged your dentist may suggest a dental device called the NTI that has proven that it can decrease clenching up to 70%.  Generally as excessive and prolonged clenching or grinding are reduced the symptoms they cause are eliminated, often overnight.  It is truly a remarkable device that was developed by a dentist, Dr. Jim Boyd, to prevent his own and his wife’s migraine headaches.

Your dentist may also recommend bite adjustment, stress management, or behavior therapy to deal with the underlying factors that intensify bruxism.