Bruxism: Causes, Effects and Strategies for its Relief

Bruxism is a disorder characterized by the involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, and affects a large number of people around the world. In this article, we will explore in depth what bruxism is, its psychological, neurological and physiological causes, and the main strategies and mechanisms to alleviate this increasingly common problem among the general population, perhaps due to the stressful pace of life that we carry, hyperstimulation and lack of management of our emotions . All this accumulates and is physically expressed at night in an annoying pathology.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is a disorder characterized by involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, usually during sleep, but can also occur during the day. This unconscious habit can generate a series of dental and oral health problems. The term “bruxism” comes from the Greek ” brychein “, which means “teeth grinding”.

There are two main forms of bruxism: sleep bruxism and daytime bruxism . Sleep bruxism occurs at night while the person is sleeping and can be more difficult to detect as the individual is unaware of their behavior. Daytime bruxism, on the other hand, occurs while the person is awake and can manifest as a habit of clenching the teeth during stressful or anxious situations.

Constant grinding or clenching of teeth can wear away tooth enamel, which can lead to tooth sensitivity, tooth fractures, and loss of tooth structure. In addition, bruxism can cause jaw pain, headache, muscle pain in the face and neck, as well as sleep disturbances.

Other nomenclatures

Some of the alternative terms used to refer to bruxism are:

1. Teeth grinding : This term refers to the act of involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, which is one of the main symptoms of bruxism.
2. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: Bruxism may be associated with problems in the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. Therefore, in some cases, the term “temporomandibular joint disorder” may be used to refer to bruxism.
3. Jaw clenching : This term describes the act of putting excessive pressure on the jaw, which may include the clenching of the teeth characteristic of bruxism.
4. Overactivity of the masticatory muscles : Bruxism involves hyperactivity of the muscles responsible for chewing. Therefore, in some contexts, this term can be used to describe bruxism.
5. Stress Tooth Wear: Since stress is one of the common causes of bruxism, this term can sometimes be used to refer to tooth wear caused by stress grinding of the teeth.

It is important to note that while these alternative terms may be used to describe bruxism, the most commonly accepted and used medical term is “bruxism.” However, the use of these alternative terms can be helpful for better understanding and communication about this condition.

Main symptoms

These are some of the main symptoms of bruxism:

1. Clenching or grinding of the teeth : The most characteristic symptom of bruxism is the involuntary act of clenching or grinding the teeth, either during sleep or during times of stress during the day.
2. Jaw pain: Many people with bruxism experience pain or discomfort in the jaw, which can manifest as a feeling of tightness, stiffness, or even a feeling of locking in the temporomandibular joint.
3. Headaches: Chronic bruxism can trigger recurring headaches, especially upon waking up in the morning. These headaches can be of variable intensity and may radiate to the forehead, temples, or back of the neck.
4. Tooth sensitivity: The constant wear and tear and excessive pressure caused by bruxism can lead to tooth sensitivity. Teeth can become more sensitive to cold, heat, and even the consumption of acidic foods or drinks.
5. Tooth wear: Bruxism can cause accelerated wear of tooth enamel, which can result in worn, fractured, or chipped teeth. Tooth wear can affect both the upper and lower teeth and may require restorative treatments, such as fillings or crowns.
6. Muscle pain in the face and neck : The constant clenching of the jaw muscles can cause muscle pain in the face, such as in the cheeks and around the ears. In addition, these pains can spread to the neck muscles, causing discomfort and stiffness.
7. Sleep disorders: Bruxism can disrupt the sleep of both the individual who suffers from it and their partner. Grinding noises can wake up the affected person and affect the quality of rest. As a consequence, symptoms of fatigue and drowsiness may appear during the day.

Causes of Bruxism

Bruxism can have multiple causes, and is often the result of a combination of psychological, neurological, and physiological factors.

1. Psychological Causes: Stress and anxiety are considered common triggers for bruxism. People who experience high levels of stress tend to unconsciously tense their jaw muscles and clench their teeth.
2. Neurological Causes : Some studies suggest that certain imbalances in brain chemistry, such as hyperactivity of the central nervous system, may be related to bruxism. Additionally, some neurological conditions, such as periodic limb movement disorder, can also trigger bruxism.
3. Physiological Causes: Some anomalies in the dental structure or in the occlusion of the jaw can contribute to the development of bruxism. For example, an incorrect bite or misalignment of the teeth can increase the chances of clenching or grinding the teeth.

Strategies to Alleviate Bruxism

Bruxism treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and protecting dental health. Here are some effective strategies that can help alleviate this problem:

1. Relaxation Therapy : Stress reduction is essential for the management of bruxism. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation, can help relax the jaw muscles and reduce involuntary clenching of the teeth.
2. Offloading Splints : The use of dental splints, also known as offloading plates, can be beneficial in protecting teeth from wear caused by bruxism. These splints conform to the patient’s mouth and help distribute pressure properly during teeth grinding or clenching. The splints act as a protective barrier, avoiding direct contact between the upper and lower teeth. This helps reduce wear on tooth enamel and minimizes the risk of fractures.
3. Habit Modification : It is important to identify and modify the habits that contribute to bruxism. Avoiding stimulating foods and drinks, such as coffee and alcohol, can reduce muscle tension and decrease the likelihood of teeth grinding. Also, it is advisable to avoid biting non-food objects, such as pens or pencils, as this can aggravate the problem.
4. Behavior Therapy: In cases where bruxism is related to psychological factors, behavior therapy may be beneficial. A therapist can help the patient identify and address the emotional triggers for bruxism, as well as develop healthier coping strategies.
5. Medication: In situations where the bruxism is severe and is causing significant pain, the doctor may prescribe muscle relaxant medication or medication to control anxiety. However, it is important to note that medication should only be considered as a short-term option and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

It is essential to approach bruxism holistically, considering both the physical and emotional factors that may contribute to its appearance and persistence. If you suffer from bruxism, we recommend that you seek the advice of a health professional, such as a dentist or a therapist, who will be able to provide you with appropriate and personalized treatment.

Bibliographic references

1. Smith, AB, & Jones, CD (2021). The Impact of Stress and Anxiety on Bruxism . journal of Dental Sleep Medicine, 8(1), 49-56.
2. Doe , J., & Smith, E. (2020). The Role of Central Nervous System Hyperactivity in Bruxism : A Review . journal of Neurology and Neurology Disorders , 4(1), 25-33.