Home / Your Health / Health Library / Content Viewer

Bruxism

(Teeth Grinding)

Definition

Bruxism is chronic, involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth. It usually occurs during sleep, but it may also occur while awake.

Closed Jaw

Causes

The exact cause of bruxism is unknown, but it is believed to be related to:

Stress and anxiety

Abnormal alignment of the teeth or jaws

Risk Factors

Risk factors that increases your chance of getting bruxism include:

Chronic stress or anxiety

Aggressive or competitive personality

Abuse of drugs or alcohol (especially methamphetamines)

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Age: 40 or younger; especially common in women aged 27-40

Family member with bruxism

Facial or oral trauma

Use of psychiatric medications, especially antidepressants

Prior serious head injury

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

Grinding sounds during sleep

Teeth that are sensitive to heat, cold, or brushing

Tense facial or jaw muscles

Hairline cracks of the enamel on some teeth

Sore teeth

Inflammation of the gums ( gingivitis )

Headache, especially when waking in the morning

Damage to the inside of the cheek (from biting or chewing)

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

Diagnosis

The doctor or dentist will ask about your symptoms and medical history. An examination of your teeth and jaw will be done. With bruxism, teeth will have flattened tips, excessive wear, or thin enamel.

Treatment

Methods of treatment include:

Behavioral or Cognitive Treatment

This method focuses on changing behavior through various techniques, such as:

Biofeedback

Stress management

Relaxation therapy or exercises

Orthodontic Treatment

Your dentist may recommend a protective mouth appliance, such as a night guard. It can absorb the pressure of constant night grinding.

Medication

Medication is only recommended for short-term use. Medications may include:

Muscle relaxants

Mild sleeping aids

Injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) in severe cases

Bruxism that is not treated may result in gum damage, tooth loss, and jaw-related disorders.

Prevention

The same methods used to treat bruxism can be used to prevent the condition.

RESOURCES:

Academy of General Dentistry

http://www.agd.org

American Dental Association

http://www.ada.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Dental Association

http://www.cda-adc.ca

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association

http://www.cdha.ca

References:

Bruxism. University of Virginia Health System website. Available at: http://uvahealth.com/services/dentistry/conditions-treatments-1/11995/?searchterm=bruxism . Accessed January 22, 2013.

Chang H. Botulism toxin: use in disorders of the temporomandibular joint. Dent Today . 2005;24:48,50-1; quiz 51.

Tan EK, Jankovic J. Treating severe bruxism with botulinum toxin. J Am Dent Assoc . 2000;131:211-216.

Teeth grinding. American Dental Association's Mouth Healthy website. Available at: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teeth-grinding.aspx. Accessed January 22, 2013.

Last reviewed September 2012 by Michael Woods, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.