Bruxism is characterized by grinding or clenching of the teeth, frequently during sleep. It can also occur during the day, especially in response to stress. Grinding or clenching can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, jaw pain, and tooth sensitivity, and can lead to dental damage over time if left untreated. It can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and an abnormal bite. Treatment options for bruxism include mouth guards, relaxation techniques, and addressing underlying causes such as stress or anxiety.
How can bruxism affect your oral health?
Chronic bruxism can lead to a variety of dental problems, including:
- Tooth wear: Over time, the constant grinding and clenching of teeth can wear down the enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to cavities and other dental problems.
- Tooth sensitivity: As the enamel wears down, the teeth can become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
- Jaw pain: Bruxism can cause pain in the jaw joint, which can make it difficult to chew, talk, and even open your mouth.
- Headaches: Bruxism can cause tension headaches.
How common is bruxism?
Bruxism is a relatively common condition that affects people of all ages and can happen while awake or asleep. The condition can pose serious risks to tooth and jaw health and may require treatment to reduce its impact.
Prevalence of bruxism
Studies suggest that bruxism affects between 8% and 31% of the general population, depending on the study criteria and the population studied. The prevalence of bruxism is higher among children, with estimates ranging from 6% to 50%. Bruxism is also more common among adults aged 25-44 years.
Bruxism and Age
Bruxism is more common among children than adults. However, it can affect people of all ages. In adults, bruxism tends to peak in middle age and then decline in later life (8% of middle-aged adults and only 3% of older adults are believed to grind their teeth during sleep).
Risk Factors Related to Bruxism
There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing bruxism, including:
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety are common triggers of bruxism.
- Sleep disorders: Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and snoring, can increase the risk of bruxism.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, can increase the risk of bruxism.
- Lifestyle factors: Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and caffeine intake have been linked to an increased risk of bruxism.
How can bruxism be treated?
Some of the most common ways to treat bruxism are as follows:
- Occlusal splint or night guard: An occlusal splint for bruxism or night guard is ideally a custom-made dental appliance that fits over the teeth and is worn while sleeping to protect the teeth from grinding and clenching. It can help relieve the symptoms and prevent further damage to the teeth. The splint or guard can be made of hard or soft materials, depending on the patient’s preference and severity of the condition. Over-the-counter (OTC) bruxism splints are also available.
- Stress reduction techniques: Since stress and anxiety are common triggers of bruxism, stress reduction techniques can help reduce the frequency and severity of teeth grinding and clenching. These techniques can include self-monitoring, exercise, meditation, or deep breathing. If the bruxism is related to anxiety, advice from a licensed therapist or counselor may help.
- Changes in sleep habits: Establishing a regular sleep routine, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and practicing good sleep hygiene can help improve the quality of sleep and reduce the likelihood of bruxism.
- Muscle relaxation exercises: Jaw exercises or massage therapy can help relax the muscles of the jaw and reduce tension, which can help alleviate the symptoms.
- Dental treatments: Dental treatments such as dental restorations or orthodontic treatment can help correct any dental problems that may be contributing to bruxism. For example, if misaligned teeth or a bad bite are causing bruxism, orthodontic treatment can help correct the problem.
- Medication: Examples of medications that may be used include –
- Muscle relaxants: In some cases, taking a muscle relaxant before bedtime, for a short period of time, might be beneficial.
- Botox injections: Botox injections, may help some people with severe bruxism who don’t respond to other treatments.
- Medication for anxiety or stress: Short-term use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can be indicated to help you deal with stress or other emotional issues that may be causing your bruxism.
In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be necessary to effectively manage bruxism. It’s important to consult with a dentist to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
Which occlusal splints are commonly used to treat bruxism?
There are several different types of occlusal splints available, each with its own unique design and purpose.
Splints can either be purchased over the counter or custom-made by a dental laboratory.
Over-the-counter (OTC) bruxism splints are available at drugstores and online retailers, and are designed to fit the average mouth size. They are made from a moldable material that is heated in boiling water and then fitted to the teeth by the user. OTC splints are generally inexpensive and readily available, and can be used immediately without the need for a dental appointment. They can be a short-term temporary solution to treat bruxism.
One advantage of OTC splints is their affordability and accessibility. They are generally less expensive than custom-made splints and can be purchased without a prescription. However, OTC splints may not fit properly or provide the same level of protection as custom-made splints. The material used in OTC splints may also be of lower quality and wear out faster, requiring more frequent replacements.
On the other hand, custom-made splints are fabricated by dental laboratories using an impression or scan of the patient’s teeth. They are made of high-quality materials and provide a more precise fit than OTC splints. Custom-made splints also offer better protection against tooth wear and TMJ disorders, and can be adjusted by the dentist to ensure a balanced bite and a comfortable fit.
A disadvantage of custom-made splints is their higher cost and the need for a dental appointment to have them made.
If you are experiencing symptoms of bruxism or a TMJ disorder, talk to your dentist about which type of occlusal splint might be right for you. A properly fitted occlusal splint can help protect your teeth on a long-term basis and improve your overall oral health.
Below are some images of frequently used types of occlusal splints, that were custom made for patients at our office in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Occlusal splints for the upper jaw (Michigan) are often used as nightguards to treat bruxism.
Occlusal splints for the lower jaw – as depicted above – can be designed to leave the front uncovered. They are also comfortable to wear during the day.
How can an occlusal splint help?
An occlusal splint is a custom-made dental appliance that fits over the teeth and is worn while sleeping or during the day, if required. The splint helps to protect the teeth from the forces of grinding and clenching, reducing the risk of dental problems and other health issues associated with bruxism.
An occlusal splint can help by:
- Reducing tooth wear: By creating a barrier between the teeth, the splint can help prevent the enamel from wearing down.
- Relieving jaw pain: The splint can help distribute the forces of grinding and clenching more evenly, reducing the pressure on the jaw joint and relieving pain.
- Preventing headaches: By reducing tension in the muscles of the face, head, and neck, the splint can help prevent tension headaches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bruxism is a common dental condition that can lead to a variety of dental problems and other health issues. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of bruxism, such as tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, or gum recession, talk to your dentist about whether an occlusal splint might be right for you. An occlusal splint can help protect your teeth and improve your overall oral health.
Further Reading
- Sleep Foundation – Bruxism: Teeth Grinding at Night
- National Library of Medicine – Occlusal splints-types
- Canadian Dental Association – Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
