Bruxism - Teeth Clenching & Grinding
Understanding the Link Between Bruxism and TMJ
Bruxism describes the habit of clenching or grinding the teeth and is one of the most common conditions affecting the muscles, teeth and jaw joints. Many people who have developed this habot are completely unaware they are actually doing it. Some people are prone to bruxism while they are sleeping (sleep bruxism), whilst other people clench their teeth during the day, often during times of intense concentration driving, working or when feeling under stress..
Occasional clenching is not likely to cause any long term issues. However, persistent or excessive ongoing bruxism places a significant amount of strain on teeth, jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Persistent clenching or grinding of teeth can contribute to jaw pain, worn teeth,headaches and other symptoms that are associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism refers to two very closely related habits, clenching and grinding.
Clenching
Clenching is when the upper and lower teeth are pressed firmly together without much movement. It can be a habit that happens continuously throughout the day and/or while sleeping.
Grinding
Grinding occurs when the lower jaw moves backwards and forwards or from side to side while the upper and lower teeth remain in contact. This type of constant grinding motion can gradually wear down the teeth in addition to placing a significant amount of stress on both the jaw joints and surrounding muscles.
Both clenching and grinding are generally unconscious habits that people remain oblivious to the fact that they are doing until either symptoms present themselves or their dentist identifies signs of either habit during a routine examination.
Why Does Bruxism Happen?
There isn't normally just a single cause of bruxism. In many cases it can be the result of several contributory factors working in tandem. These factors can include:
- Anxiety
- Emotional stress
- Sleep related
- Bite irregularities (malocclusion)
- Some medications
- Caffeine or alcohol consumption
- Neurological and behavioural factors
Every patient is uniquely different. If you have developed a teeth clenching or grinding habit, it's important to pinpoint understand the factors contributing to your own bruxism. This is a critically important step in order for us to devise a suitable treatment plan for you.
Stress and Bruxism
Times of increased stress can coincide with increased clenching or grinding. Stress alone does not necessarily be a single cause of bruxism.
It can, however, contribute to elevated muscle tension and unconscious jaw activity. Some patients notice they are clenching their teeth during times of deep concentration, trying to negotiate difficult situations or during times of emotional pressure.
Other people may only find out that they grind their teeth while sleeping after their partner alerts them to it or when they visit their dentist who notices excessive tooth wear.
Getting an understanding of these patterns can help us discover practical ways of reducing strain on the jaw over time.
How Can Bruxism Affect the Teeth?
Bruxism exerts significantly more force on the teeth than normal chewing does. Over time, persistent grinding or clenching habits can cause teeth to become flattened, worn, chipped or fractured. It can lead to tooth sensitivity, loose teeth and can even cause fillings or crowns to crack.
Changes usually occur very gradually over time which is precisely why many individuals don't even notice them until significant wear has already occured.
Effects of Bruxism on Jaw Joints
Jaw joints and their surrounding muscles are designed to cope with normal everyday functions like talking and eating. Constant clenching and grinding can overload these structures and can result in muscle tiredness, jaw pain or clicking or popping sensation. It can also cause restricted mouth opening, fascial tension, stiffness in the jaw and headaches. Not everyone with bruxism develops TMD, but bruxism is recognised as one of the potential contributory factors that can lead to temporomandibular disorders in some people.
How is Bruxism Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts out with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and a physical clinical examination. Your dentist will look for evidence of tooth wear or fracture. The dentist will also assess jaw movement and jaw muscles in addition to examining the temporomandibular joints. An assessment of your bite may also be required. Characteristic wear patterns on the teeth in many cases provide important clues that clenching or grinding has been happening over a period of time.
Ways to Manage Bruxism
Bruxism management very much depends on the individual patient and what affects the condition is having. Treatment may include the fitting of a custom made night guard to protect the teeth and help reduce the force of the clenching or grinding during sleep.
The clinical assessment process can identify factors causing strain on the jaw. Patients can better manage their bruxism once they understand how it is triggered by stress, jaw habits, or muscle tension.
Awareness techniques, relaxation methods and stress management approaches can help some patients reduce their daytime clenching habit. Because every patient is unique, treatment is always customised to their specific circumstances.
Seeking Help and Advice?
We strongly advise you to arrange an assessment if you are experiencing frequent jaw pain, jaw clicking or locking, facial muscle tension or trouble opening your mouth fully. Tooth wear or repeated fractures can be a clear sign that you are grinding your teeth without any awareness of doing so. Early assessment is key to help identify problems before more significant damage occurs.
Relationship Between Bruxism and TMJ Disorders
Bruxism and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are closely linked. However, they are not the same condition. As you will have learned from the content on this page, bruxism is a habit involving clenching or grinding the teeth. TMD refers to disorders affecting the jaw joints, muscles and surrounding structures. For some patients, continuous clenching or grinding of the teeth may contribute to the development or worsening of TMD symptoms. Having a clear understanding of this relationship is often a key step towards effective management.
Concerned that clenching or grinding may be affecting your jaw or teeth?
If you are experiencing symptoms such as jaw pain, morning headaches, worn teeth, or facial muscle tension, a professional assessment may help identify whether bruxism is contributing to your symptoms.
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