FEBRUARY 15, 2024

The Silent Cry of Your Teeth: What Is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) and How to Cope With It?

Nowadays, many people face a problem without even being aware of it: teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. This condition typically manifests as involuntary clenching, grinding of teeth, or sudden jaw closure, often during sleep and sometimes while awake. Bruxism is a common issue that can affect both children and adults. This habit, which you may not even be aware of, can have significant long-term effects on your dental health and overall quality of life.

Teeth grinding not only damages your teeth but can also lead to jaw joint problems, headaches, and general discomfort. Therefore, understanding what bruxism is and being informed about treatment options is of great importance. Our clinic in Ankara aims to help international patients achieve a healthy smile by offering the most up-to-date and effective treatment methods.

Possible Causes of Bruxism: Why Does This Condition Occur?

• The exact cause of teeth grinding is not fully known, but it is believed that various factors may contribute to this condition. These causes can vary from person to person and usually result from the interaction of multiple factors. Here are some possible causes of bruxism:

The Long-Term Effects of Teeth Grinding: How Are Your Teeth and Health Affected?

• Untreated long-term teeth grinding can lead to serious problems in your oral and dental health as well as your overall health. These damages may increase over time and negatively affect your quality of life. Here are some of the long-term effects of bruxism:

How Is Bruxism Diagnosed and Treated?

Dentists will check for possible signs of bruxism during regular dental examinations. If the dentist encounters any signs, they will monitor for changes in the teeth and mouth over the next few visits to see if the condition is progressing and to determine whether the individual needs treatment. During the diagnostic process, the dentist may detect tooth wear, tenderness in the jaw muscles, and joint discomfort. Additionally, grinding sounds reported by the patient’s sleep partner are an important indicator. The dentist will try to identify the cause of teeth grinding by asking questions about the individual’s overall dental health, medications, daily routines, and sleep habits.

To assess the severity of the condition, the dentist will look for signs such as tenderness in the jaw muscles, obvious dental abnormalities like broken or missing teeth, and damage to the teeth and the inner cheeks. X-rays may also be used to search for signs of damage to the underlying jawbone. In certain cases, a sleep study may be recommended. Clicking sounds from the jaw joint during mouth opening and closing can also indicate the onset of joint problems.

The treatment of bruxism may involve various methods depending on the underlying causes and the severity of symptoms. At our clinic in Ankara, we help you overcome this issue by creating a personalized treatment plan. Here are some of the treatment options for bruxism:

• Night Guard (Occlusal Splint/Mouthguard): Custom-made transparent splints or mouthguards prepared by your dentist are placed between the upper and lower teeth during sleep to prevent teeth from grinding against each other and to protect against tooth wear. They also relax the jaw muscles and reduce the load on the jaw joint. Night guards can be made of hard acrylic or softer materials. Bruxism mouthguards provide many benefits for teeth grinding and clenching issues. There are different types of bruxism mouthguards: hard mouthguards, soft mouthguards, and dual-layer mouthguards. Night guards can effectively protect the teeth of bruxism patients from damage during the night.
• Stress Management and Therapy: Since stress is known to be a significant trigger for teeth grinding, taking steps to reduce stress is essential. Stress management techniques (such as meditation, yoga, exercise, psychotherapy, counseling) can be beneficial. The doctor may refer the patient to a therapist or counselor.
• Botox Injections (Masseter Botox): In severe cases of bruxism, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can be applied at specific points in the chewing muscle (masseter muscle) located in the lower cheek area. Masseter Botox is a method used to reduce problems like teeth grinding and clenching. Botox relaxes the muscles by eliminating stress and excessive chewing force, which can resolve issues such as nighttime teeth grinding and clenching. It is also an effective method to alleviate health problems such as jaw pain and headaches. The procedure is brief, and its effects typically last 4-6 months. For patients whose complaints persist, repeat doses can be administered after 6 months. Masseter Botox is also an effective option for those who wish to slim down square or broad faces, reduce the firm appearance of the jaw area, and address teeth grinding (bruxism). By injecting small doses of botulinum toxin directly into the masseter muscle, the muscle is weakened enough to stop involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching. This significantly relaxes the muscles and reduces the wear and tear on teeth caused by grinding. The effects of masseter Botox reach their maximum impact within one month and generally last up to six months.
• Jaw Exercises and Physical Therapy: Jaw exercises recommended by your dentist or a physical therapist can help relax the jaw muscles and improve jaw joint function. Simple exercises are available for those experiencing jaw problems. Physical therapists can alleviate the effects of bruxism through special exercise programs, stretching techniques, and posture training.
• Dental Treatments: If bite issues contribute to teeth grinding, orthodontic treatment (braces, clear aligners) or other dental adjustment methods may be necessary. Completing functionally missing teeth and correcting improper or misaligned bites are also among the treatment options. If tooth wear leads to sensitivity or inadequate chewing efficiency, the dentist may need to reshape the chewing surfaces of the teeth or use crowns to repair the damage.
• Medication Treatment: For individuals who excessively grind their teeth, antidepressants or muscle relaxants may be prescribed under medical supervision. However, medication alone is not a treatment method and must be used in conjunction with a transparent splint. A doctor may recommend taking a muscle relaxant shortly before bedtime. Short-term use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be suggested to help manage stress or other emotional issues that could cause bruxism.
• Biofeedback: Individuals who struggle to change their habits can benefit from biofeedback, a method that uses monitoring procedures and equipment to teach control of jaw muscle activity. While it has been found effective in reducing chewing muscle activity, its effects may not persist after treatment.
• Surgical Approach: For patients who do not achieve sufficient improvement with appliances and splints, the necessity of a surgical approach may be evaluated.

What Can You Do to Prevent and Alleviate Teeth Grinding?