Bruxism is a term used to describe the condition of grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, usually during sleep. While it might seem like a minor issue, bruxism can lead to serious dental problems if it’s not treated. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for bruxism can help you protect your teeth and prevent future damage.
North Shore Perio can offer treatment for the effects of teeth grinding and oral appliances to prevent it. You may also need periodontal services if bruxism has led to gum damage or bone loss around the teeth. Bruxism is a cause of tooth loss is untreated and can also lead to daily discomfort. Dr. Hassan and our team of periodontists will work with you to identify the root cause and provide appropriate dental care.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism happens when you grind your teeth together or clench your jaw, often without even realizing it. Most people do this during sleep, but some may also do it while awake, especially when stressed or anxious. The grinding or clenching can wear down the enamel on your teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity, pain, and even tooth fractures. It can also cause muscle pain in your jaw and around your face.
Do You Have Bruxism?
One of the most common signs of bruxism is tooth wear. People who grind or clench their teeth often notice flattened, chipped, or worn-down teeth. Over time, this can make the teeth appear shorter and more sensitive. The pressure from grinding can also cause small cracks or fractures in the enamel, making the teeth more vulnerable to decay and damage. Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods can also develop as the enamel thins and exposes the underlying dentin.
Jaw pain or tightness is another frequent symptom. Bruxism places excessive strain on the jaw muscles and joints, leading to soreness or stiffness in the morning or after stressful periods. Some individuals may experience difficulty opening their mouths fully or feel clicking or popping sounds in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In more severe cases, chronic grinding can contribute to TMJ disorder, which causes persistent pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, neck, and even shoulders.
Headaches and facial pain are also common indicators of bruxism. Many people wake up with a dull headache or tenderness around the temples due to the muscle tension caused by nighttime grinding. This discomfort often radiates to other areas, including the ears or behind the eyes, making it easy to mistake for other conditions such as sinus pressure or migraines.
Bruxism can also affect your sleep quality. Those who grind their teeth at night may wake frequently without realizing why or may feel fatigued during the day despite getting a full night’s sleep. A bed partner may even hear grinding noises during the night, which is often one of the first clues that bruxism is occurring.
Other possible signs include receding gums, tooth mobility, and damage to dental restorations such as crowns or fillings.
The Causes of Bruxism
One of the leading causes of bruxism is stress and anxiety. Many people unconsciously clench or grind their teeth as a physical response to emotional tension. When the body experiences stress, it can trigger muscle tension, including in the jaw. This often happens during sleep, when individuals have less control over their movements. People with high-stress lifestyles, anxiety disorders, or those who frequently experience frustration or anger are more likely to develop bruxism.
Another major factor is sleep disorders. Conditions such as sleep apnea, snoring, or insomnia are commonly linked to nighttime bruxism. When the airway becomes partially blocked during sleep, the brain briefly awakens the body to reopen it, which can cause involuntary jaw tightening or grinding. This type of bruxism is often loud enough for bed partners to notice and may lead to morning headaches, jaw soreness, and poor-quality sleep.
Abnormal bite alignment or missing and crooked teeth can also contribute to bruxism. When the teeth do not fit together properly, the jaw may instinctively shift to find a comfortable resting position. Over time, this constant adjustment can lead to grinding and clenching. Dental issues such as malocclusion, high fillings, or poorly fitted crowns can also create uneven pressure points that encourage this behavior.
Certain lifestyle habits and substances may increase the risk of bruxism. Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol are known stimulants that can heighten muscle activity and disrupt normal sleep patterns. Recreational drugs, particularly stimulants such as cocaine or amphetamines, have also been associated with severe cases of teeth grinding. Even excessive gum chewing or nail biting can train the jaw muscles to remain overactive, reinforcing the grinding habit.
Additionally, personality traits can play a role. People who are competitive, hyperactive, or perfectionistic may be more prone to developing bruxism due to their tendency toward tension and overexertion. In children, bruxism may occur as a response to tooth growth or changes in jaw alignment, and it often resolves as they get older.
In some cases, medications such as antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can trigger or worsen bruxism as a side effect.
Bruxism Treatment in Skokie, IL
One of the most common and effective treatments for bruxism is the use of a custom nightguard. A dentist-made nightguard, also known as an occlusal splint, fits comfortably over your teeth and creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower arches.
This device prevents direct tooth-to-tooth contact, reducing wear, fractures, and enamel loss. It also helps distribute the pressure from grinding more evenly across the jaw. Unlike over-the-counter mouthguards, custom versions are tailored to your bite, providing superior comfort and durability.
Stress management techniques are also vital, especially when emotional tension is a driving factor. Because bruxism is commonly linked to anxiety or frustration, relaxation strategies such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or regular physical activity can help ease jaw tension. Creating a calming nighttime routine can also reduce sleep bruxism by helping the body unwind before bed.
For cases related to bite misalignment or dental issues, corrective dental treatments may be recommended. Adjusting the bite through reshaping, orthodontic treatment, or replacing worn restorations can help the teeth meet properly and minimize the instinct to grind. In severe cases, restorative dental work such as crowns or veneers may be needed to rebuild damaged teeth and restore proper function.
How We Can Help
At North Shore Periodontics and Implantology, we are dedicated to helping you protect your teeth from the effects of bruxism. If you suspect that you have bruxism, or if you’ve noticed any symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team can work with you to find the best solution to keep your smile healthy and pain-free.