Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism is the involuntary habitual grinding of the teeth. This grinding usually occurs at night during sleep, but can also occur during the day.

Causes

We do not yet completely know what causes bruxism, but stress plays a determining role in its appearance. Inadequate dental restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.), malocclusions, dysfunction of the Temporomandibular joint may also be implicated.

SYMPTOMS AND CONSEQUENCES

• Wear and abrasion of teeth. Sometimes this abrasion is accompanied by angular lesions on the necks of the teeth (abfraction)
• Fractures of restorations (fillings, crowns ...)
• Damage to the gums (gingival recession)
• Dental hypersensitivity.
• Headaches or earaches
• Pain in the jaw and the Temporomandibular joint in the morning when waking up.

Treatment

The treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism) can include medications, relaxation exercises, meditation, psychotherapy and physiotherapy. The most effective treatment to prevent or halt the negative effects of bruxism in the short term may be the wearing of an occlusal appliance or night guard.

This occlusal appliance is custom made in the dental laboratory from impressions taken of the dental arches.