What to Do About Bruxism
Bruxism is a common, often unconscious disorder that manifests as clenching or grinding the teeth, most often during sleep.
Although it may seem harmless, over time it can damage the teeth, overwork the jaw muscles and cause chronic pain.
Understanding Bruxism and Its Causes
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is an involuntary contraction of the masticatory muscles.
It can appear as:
- teeth grinding (dynamic bruxism);
- or prolonged clenching (static bruxism).
A distinction is made between sleep bruxism, which occurs during sleep, and awake bruxism, linked to stress or concentration.
Nearly 10% of adults are thought to be affected, often without knowing it.
What Are the Causes?
Bruxism has several possible causes:
- psychological factors: stress, anxiety, hypervigilance;
- mechanical factors: imbalance in dental occlusion, poorly adjusted prostheses;
- neurological or medication-related factors (certain antidepressants, stimulant drugs);
- functional disorders: poor tongue position, muscle or postural tension.
Often, several causes coexist, making a complete assessment of the masticatory system (jaw, muscles, joints, teeth) essential.
The Consequences of Bruxism Not to Be Overlooked
Tooth Wear and Pain
Repeated friction causes premature enamel wear, cracks or tooth sensitivity.
Chronic bruxism can also cause teeth to become loose, damage prostheses or worsen occlusal problems.
Muscle Tension and Headaches
The masseter and temporalis muscles are subject to constant overactivity.
This causes neck pain and migraines, and may even change the shape of the face (a wider jaw).
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
This joint, which connects the jaw to the skull, can become painful, click or lock.
In severe cases, this can lead to early osteoarthritis.
What Can Be Done About Bruxism?
See an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for a Full Assessment
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is best placed to assess the functional and anatomical aspects of bruxism.
Dr Solène Vo Quang, in Paris 16, carries out a full occlusal and muscular assessment, including:
- analysis of mandibular closure,
- palpation of the masticatory muscles,
- investigation for an infection focus or a postural imbalance.
This assessment guides the most appropriate treatment: an occlusal splint, muscle rehabilitation, or targeted injections if necessary.
Effective Treatments
- Occlusal splint: custom-made, it protects the teeth at night and relaxes the jaw.
- Jaw rehabilitation and physiotherapy: helps release muscle tension and relearn a good tongue position.
- Botulinum toxin injections: in cases of persistent muscle pain, they can reduce the involuntary contraction of the masseters and provide lasting relief.
- Behavioural therapy: useful when stress or conscious habits (a clenched jaw, neck tension) perpetuate the disorder.
Treatment for bruxism relies on multidisciplinary care, in which the oral and maxillofacial surgeon plays a central role.
Preventing Recurrence
Adopting good postural and emotional habits is essential:
- avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco in the evening,
- practise jaw-relaxation exercises,
- check the quality of sleep and night-time breathing,
- and consult regularly to adjust the splint or check the occlusion.
In summary:
When faced with bruxism, protecting the teeth is not enough: the cause must be understood.
Dr Solène Vo Quang, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Paris, supports patients with comprehensive bruxism care that combines treatment, prevention and functional rehabilitation.
FAQ: Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
We answer your questions
Dynamic bruxism is teeth grinding, whereas static bruxism is prolonged clenching without movement.
The causes are multiple: stress and anxiety, imbalance of dental occlusion, certain medications (antidepressants), postural or neurological disorders. Often, several factors combine.
Premature enamel wear, cracks in the teeth, neck pain and migraines, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and even early osteoarthritis of the jaw.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the best specialist to assess the functional and anatomical aspects of bruxism and propose comprehensive treatment.