Bruxism
Definition
Bruxism is the habit of clenching and grinding the teeth. It most often occurs at night during sleep, but it may also occur during the day. It is an unconscious behavior, perhaps performed to release
anxiety, aggression, or anger.
Description
Bruxism is one of the oldest disorders known, and approximately one in four adults experiences it. Most people are not aware of it before their teeth have been damaged.
Causes and symptoms
While bruxism is typically associated with
stress, it may also be triggered by abnormal occlusion (the way the upper and lower teeth fit together), or crooked or missing teeth.
Symptoms of bruxism include: dull headaches; sore and tired facial muscles; earaches; sensitive teeth; and locking, popping, and clicking of the jaw.
During a dental examination, a dentist may recognize damage resulting from bruxism, including: enamel loss from the chewing surfaces of teeth; flattened tooth surfaces; loosened teeth; and fractured teeth and fillings. Left untreated, bruxism may lead to tooth loss and jaw dysfunction.
Diagnosis
Medical and dental histories and examinations are necessary to differentiate bruxism from other conditions that may cause similar
pain, such as ear infections, dental infections, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. However, uncommonly worn-down teeth strongly suggest a diagnosis of bruxism.
Treatment
To prevent further damage to the teeth, bruxism is treated by placing a removable, custom-fitted plastic appliance called a night guard between the upper and lower teeth. Although the clenching and grinding behavior may continue, the teeth wear away the plastic instead of each other.
In some cases, abnormal occlusion may be adjusted and high spots removed so that the teeth fit together in a more comfortable position. Missing teeth may be replaced and crooked teeth may be straightened with orthodontic treatment to eliminate possible underlying causes of bruxism. In cases where jaw muscles are very tight, a dentist may prescribe
muscle relaxants.
Key terms
Enamel — The hard outermost surface of a tooth.
High spot — An area of a tooth or restoration that feels abnormal or uncomfortable because it hits its opposing tooth before other teeth meet.
Night guard — A removable, custom-fitted plastic appliance that fits between the upper and lower teeth to prevent them from grinding against each other.
Occlusion — The way upper and lower teeth fit together during biting and chewing.
Rolfing — Based on the belief that proper alignment of various parts of the body is necessary for physical and mental health, rolfing uses deep tissue massage and movement exercises in an attempt to bring the body into correct alignment.
Alternative treatment
Stress management and behavior modification techniques may be useful to break the habit of clenching and teeth grinding. Tight jaw muscles may be relaxed by applying warm compresses to the sides of the face. Herbal muscle relaxants also can be helpful.
Massage therapy and deep tissue realignment, including
rolfing, can assist in releasing the clenching pattern. This is a more permanent alternative treatment for bruxism.
Prognosis
Bruxism may cause permanent damage to teeth and chronic jaw pain unless properly diagnosed and promptly treated. The behavior may be eliminated if its underlying causes are found and addressed.
Prevention
Increased awareness in patients prone to anxiety, aggression, or anger may prevent the habit of bruxism from developing.
Resources
Organizations
Academy of General Dentistry. Suite 1200, 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.(312) 440-4300. http://www.agd.org.
American Dental Association. 211 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. (312) 440-2500. http://www.ada.org.
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
bruxism
[bruk´sizm] gnashing, grinding, or clenching the teeth, usually during sleep. Repeated and continuous grinding of the teeth over a long period of time can wear down and loosen teeth and cause bone loss secondary to periodontal disease. Bruxism can also cause headache, muscle spasm, and chronic pain in the face and jaw.
Possible causes of bruxism include dental problems, such as malocclusion and high fillings, emotional problems associated with tension and anxiety, and intense concentration for a long period of time during which the person unknowingly tightens the jaw and grinds the teeth.
A dentist can prescribe and fit a night guard to protect the teeth during sleep. If stress is the underlying cause, methods to reduce tension and promote relaxation are sometimes helpful.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.