Bruxism

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(Redirected from Sleep bruxism)

Bruxism
Synonyms Teeth grinding, jaw clenching
Pronounce
Field Dentistry
Symptoms Tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, sensitive teeth, TMJ pain, sleep disturbances
Complications Tooth fracture, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, tooth loss, periodontal disease, myofascial pain
Onset Can occur at any age; often starts in childhood or early adulthood
Duration Chronic or episodic
Types Awake bruxism, sleep bruxism
Causes Stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, malocclusion, side effects of certain medications
Risks Emotional stress, caffeine or alcohol use, certain drugs (e.g. SSRIs), poor sleep habits, family history
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation, patient history, observation, sometimes polysomnography
Differential diagnosis Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, tooth erosion, occlusal trauma, myofascial pain syndrome
Prevention Stress management, good sleep hygiene, behavior modification, limiting stimulants
Treatment Occlusal splints, behavioral therapy, stress reduction, medications (e.g., muscle relaxants, botulinum toxin)
Medication Muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, anxiolytics, botulinum toxin
Prognosis Good with treatment, but may recur with stress or sleep disruption
Frequency Affects 8–31% of the population; more common in children and young adults
Deaths Rare; not typically fatal


View from above of an anterior (front) tooth showing severe tooth wear exposing the dentin layer. The pulp chamber is visible.
The left masseter muscle in red

Bruxism is the excessive grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw, often an unconscious habit. It is classified as a parafunctional habit, meaning it serves no functional purpose such as eating or speaking. Bruxism can occur while awake (awake bruxism) or during sleep (sleep bruxism).

Types of Bruxism[edit | edit source]

Bruxism is typically divided into two categories:

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact causes of bruxism are not fully understood, but several contributing factors may include:

Signs and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Common signs and symptoms of bruxism include:

Tooth Wear and Damage[edit | edit source]

Tooth wear from bruxism often appears as:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Bruxism is diagnosed based on:

  • Clinical examination of tooth wear and jaw muscle tension
  • Patient-reported symptoms such as jaw pain or morning headaches
  • Observation by a partner (especially for sleep bruxism)
  • Use of polysomnography in complex or uncertain cases

Complications[edit | edit source]

Untreated bruxism can lead to:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

While there is no single cure, treatments focus on symptom management and preventing further damage.

Dental Interventions[edit | edit source]

  • Occlusal splints (night guards): Custom devices that protect teeth from grinding forces.
  • Occlusal adjustment: Selective reshaping of tooth surfaces to balance the bite (used cautiously).
  • Restorative dentistry: Repairing damaged teeth with crowns or other restorations.

Behavioral Therapy[edit | edit source]

Medications[edit | edit source]

  • Muscle relaxants before bedtime (short-term use)
  • Anxiolytics (for stress-related bruxism)
  • Adjustment of antidepressants if they contribute to bruxism
  • Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections in severe cases to reduce muscle activity

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis varies. Many individuals experience improvement with stress management and dental protection. In children, sleep bruxism often resolves without treatment.

See also[edit | edit source]


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