Bruxism is an oral parafunctional activity that affects many people at some point in their lives. It is characterized by grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw, which can occur during the day or at night. Most damage occurs during sleep, as the chewing reflex, normally inactive during rest, becomes active in sufferers.

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How Bruxism Affects the Mouth

Typically, the front six upper and lower teeth (incisors and canines) grind laterally against each other. This side-to-side action places stress on the medial pterygoid muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Common symptoms include:

  • Earaches
  • Headaches
  • Jaw pain
  • Myofascial pain
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Eating disorders

Bruxism can be misdiagnosed because tooth wear has multiple potential causes, including aggressive brushing, acidic foods, and abrasive habits. Only a trained dental professional can distinguish true bruxism from other causes.

Diagnosis of Bruxism

The BiteStrip® is a simple at-home device used to monitor jaw muscle activity during sleep. The collected data helps determine the frequency and severity of bruxism and guides the creation of a personalized treatment plan.

Reasons to Treat Bruxism

  • Gum recession and tooth loss: Bruxism can damage soft tissues and lead to loose teeth and deep pockets susceptible to bacterial infection.
  • Occlusal trauma: Abnormal wear patterns can cause fractures in teeth, requiring restorative treatments.
  • Arthritis: Chronic bruxing may cause painful arthritis in the TMJ joints.
  • Myofascial pain: Grinding can shorten and blunt teeth, leading to headaches and muscle discomfort in the jaw and face.

Treatment Options

While there is no single cure for bruxism, several effective interventions exist:

  • Mouthguards: Custom acrylic mouthguards protect teeth during sleep and help stabilize the occlusion and TMJ.
  • NTI-tss Device: Covers only the front teeth to prevent grinding of the molars by limiting temporalis muscle contraction.
  • Botox®: Injected into jaw muscles to relax them, reducing grinding while maintaining normal chewing and speaking functions.
  • Other Methods: Relaxation exercises, stress management, and biofeedback mechanisms can reduce bruxism severity. Dental restorations like crowns, gum grafts, and crown lengthening may restore aesthetics after bruxism is controlled.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.