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Bruxism: Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching

Personalised bruxism treatments can relieve jaw tension, protect your teeth, and improve your sleep, helping you wake up refreshed and pain-free.

Understanding Bruxism

Bruxism is the habit of grinding, clenching, or gnashing your teeth, often while asleep. It can also happen during the day when you’re focused, anxious, or under pressure. Over time, it can wear down your teeth, irritate your jaw, and lead to ongoing discomfort. Left untreated, bruxism can affect your bite, appearance, and oral health.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism refers to the unconscious grinding, gritting, or clenching of teeth during the day or at night. Daytime bruxism is often linked to stress or deep concentration, while nighttime (or sleep) bruxism usually happens without you knowing. If ignored, it can lead to tooth damage, jaw pain, and even long-term issues with the temporomandibular joint. It’s more than just an annoying habit; it’s something worth treating early.

Causes of Bruxism

Bruxism can have many causes. Often, it’s a mix of emotional, medical, and physical factors. These include:

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Certain medications, especially SSRIs like fluoxetine and paroxetine
  • Stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and drugs such as amphetamines
  • Genetics (bruxism often runs in families)
  • Age (it’s more common in children)
  • Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
  • Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease
  • Bite alignment problems (occlusal disorders)

Do You Suffer From Bruxism?

Many people don’t realise they’re grinding or gritting their teeth until a dentist notices the damage. Early signs include worn enamel, cracked fillings, and chipped teeth. It can also lead to symptoms that affect the jaw, like tightness, pain, and restricted movement in the temporomandibular joint.

Bruxism Symptoms

How Bruxism Can Impact Your Life

Bruxism can affect more than just your teeth. Chronic clenching and grinding can lead to daily discomfort and long-term damage if left untreated. It can mess with your sleep, change how your face looks, and add to your stress levels. Here are some of the most common issues caused by untreated bruxism:

Facial pain and sore jaw muscles

Excessive wear and tear on teeth

Cracked or broken enamel and restorations

Heightened tooth sensitivity

Tooth loss (in rare cases)

Changes in the shape of your face

Migraines and chronic headaches

Teeth Grinding In Children

Treatment Options

Get a Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding

Orthodontics to Address Teeth Alignment Issues

Muscle Relaxant Injections

Restorative Dental Work to Repair Damage

Behavioral Therapy to Break the Habit

Don’t Let Bruxism Damage Your Smile

FAQs

How do I know if I am grinding my teeth in my sleep?

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