Bruxism: Teeth Grinding & Clenching — Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition involving involuntary teeth grinding and clenching. If you’re affected by bruxism, you will likely be grinding your teeth at night during sleep, but you may also experience it while you’re awake. Left untreated, bruxism can wreak havoc on the teeth and jaw. But with the dentist Collingwood trusts, you can get the bruxism treatment you need to bring teeth clenching to a grinding halt. Get diagnosed, learn how to stop clenching teeth, and protect your smile at Stanley St. Dental.
Bruxism vs Teeth Grinding & Clenching
Bruxism is a catch-all term for teeth grinding and clenching. Though the two concepts are related, they’re not identical, and it’s important to differentiate between them. Here’s a snapshot of how teeth grinding differs from teeth clenching:
- Teeth grinding: Involuntary rubbing or grinding of teeth, often at night.
- Teeth clenching: Forcefully holding teeth together without moving them, typically during the day due to stress or concentration.
Understanding the nuances of bruxism can help you pinpoint whether grinding, clenching, or both are affecting your teeth — and give your dentist the insight they need to tailor an effective treatment plan.
Bruxism Causes
Knowing is half the battle: the key to managing bruxism is understanding its root cause. Do any of the following sound familiar?
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep disorders (like sleep apnoea)
- Misaligned teeth
- Lifestyle factors (e.g. cigarette, caffeine, or alcohol consumption)
- Medications (certain antidepressants)
Bruxism Symptoms
Many people are unaware they have bruxism until symptoms materialise. This is why it’s important to catch the condition early and get the teeth-grinding treatment you need. Watch out for these common symptoms of teeth grinding:
- Jaw clenching and tension
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Tooth sensitivity and pain
- Worn, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Pain or clicking in the jaw joint (TMJ issues).
Effects of Untreated Bruxism
If you leave bruxism untreated, you risk the following:
- Severe enamel erosion
- Tooth fractures and loss
- Chronic jaw pain and TMJ disorders
- Facial pain and muscle fatigue.
Bruxism Treatment
Stanley St. Dental has bruxism treatments that can help you stop teeth grinding and clenching. Try these on for size:
1. Night Guards & Splints
A custom night guard for teeth grinding is an oral appliance moulded to the shape and contours of your mouth. It forces teeth apart to prevent enamel wear and reduce jaw strain. Put it in before you go to bed.
2. Botox Treatment
Though often associated with facial aesthetics, Botox injections can be surprisingly helpful for relaxing overactive jaw muscles. If you’re experiencing jaw clenching or teeth grinding that’s putting noticeable pressure on the teeth or joints, give it a try.
3. Physiotherapy & Jaw Relaxation Techniques
Physiotherapy can be great for fixing muscle tension and improving jaw function. If you catch yourself clenching a lot during the day, jaw relaxation exercises can help you loosen up.
4. Stress & Lifestyle Management
Stress is a major bruxism trigger, so it follows that stress-reduction techniques — such as mindfulness, therapy, or sleep hygiene — can be a big part of bruxism treatment.
When to See a Dentist for Bruxism
Jaw pain, frequent headaches, and worn teeth are the tell-tale signs it’s time to see a dentist. But when you book an appointment with Stanley St. Dental, there’s no need to worry. You’ll be in great hands with our team, who will get you comfortable as they face your condition head-on. They can also equip you with some strategies to help you address bruxism once and for all and prevent further dental damage.
We’re here when you need us — even when bruxism symptoms escalate to dental emergencies involving severely cracked or fractured teeth.
FAQs About Bruxism, Teeth Grinding, & Clenching
What Is the Difference Between Teeth Grinding & Clenching?
Grinding wears teeth down via a repetitive back-and-forth motion, whereas clenching involves holding the teeth tightly together without movement, often causing jaw and muscle strain.
How Do I Stop Grinding My Teeth at Night?
Using a night guard, managing stress, and asking your dentist about bruxism treatment options can help stop teeth grinding.
What Are the Best Treatments for Teeth Clenching?
Night guards, Botox, physiotherapy, and stress management are effective forms of clenching teeth treatment.
Can Bruxism Go Away on Its Own?
When bruxism affects children, it sometimes self-resolves, but when it’s affecting adults, it typically requires treatment. In either case, ignoring the issue is not a fantastic strategy. Resolve teeth grinding and clenching once and for all with the treatment you need.
Is Teeth Grinding a Sign of a Bigger Problem?
Bruxism can indicate that you’re experiencing sleep disorders or stress. Address the underlying causes with your dentist and gain clarity about how you can manage or resolve the condition.
How Stanley St. Dental Can Help
If you suspect you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, or are experiencing symptoms of bruxism, contact Stanley St. Dental for a consultation. We also offer sleep dentistry to keep our more anxious patients comfortable.