Bruxism
(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 |



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:
- Sleep bruxism – occurs during sleep and is considered a sleep-related movement disorder.
- Awake bruxism – occurs during wakefulness, often in response to stress or anxiety.
Causes[edit | edit source]
The exact causes of bruxism are not fully understood, but several contributing factors may include:
- Stress, anxiety, and emotional disturbances
- Malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth)
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
- Certain medications (e.g., some antidepressants)
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD)
- Substance use (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs)
Signs and Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Common signs and symptoms of bruxism include:
- Excessive tooth wear, especially attrition on the occlusal (biting) surfaces
- Tooth sensitivity due to worn enamel and exposed dentin
- Headaches, particularly in the temporal region
- Pain or tenderness in the TMJ and Muscles of mastication
- Tooth fractures or damage to dental restorations
- Trismus (limited mouth opening)
- Audible grinding or clenching sounds during sleep (reported by a partner)
- Scalloped tongue or linea alba on the inner cheeks due to cheek biting
- Enlargement (hypertrophy) of the masseter muscle
Tooth Wear and Damage[edit | edit source]
Tooth wear from bruxism often appears as:
- Attrition – enamel loss from tooth-to-tooth contact
- Abfraction – wedge-shaped defects at the gumline
- Cracks and tooth fractures
- Compromised dental crowns, fillings, and veneers
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:
- Damage to teeth and dental restorations
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
- Periodontal disease aggravation
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Sleep disturbances
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]
- Stress management techniques such as biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation, and relaxation therapy
- Sleep hygiene improvements to reduce nighttime grinding
- Awareness training to reduce daytime clenching
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]
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
- Tooth wear
- Sleep disorders
- Occlusal trauma
- Dentistry
- Muscles of mastication
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