Bruxism is the official term for the condition where someone grinds their teeth or clenches their jaw, usually while they are sleeping. Most people who have bruxism are unaware of it until their sleeping partner or parent notices and points it out. Bruxism can cause headaches, jaw soreness and earaches, among other things, and can also cause tooth damage. Dr. Pham, your Chula Vista and Bonita dentist at the Center for Beautiful Smiles gives you a short overview of the condition.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition of grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw, usually (but not always) during one’s sleep. In any case, the patient is often unaware he/she is bruxing.
What causes bruxism?
Bruxism can be caused by several things. Stress, anxiety, medical conditions, medications, and bite problems have all been linked to bruxism.
Who gets bruxism?
Anyone can have bruxism, children and adults alike.
What are the symptoms of bruxism?
Signs include making noise with teeth while sleeping, jaw pain, earaches, headaches, TMJ, sensitive teeth, and abnormal wear and damage to teeth such as fractures.
How is bruxism diagnosed?
Dr. Pham recognizes the signs and symptoms of bruxism during regular dental exams.
What are the dental treatments for bruxism?
Patients who brux can be fitted with a mouth guard or splint to prevent further damage to teeth. Damaged teeth can be repaired. Other kinds of treatments are biofeedback (to unlearn waking clenching habits), sleep laboratory work (to better understand the issue for those who brux while sleeping), and massage (to reduce pain and tension).