Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) is a common issue; however, as teeth grinding generally occurs while sleeping, most people do not even realise they do so until symptoms start to arise.
In this guide, we will discuss some common causes & symptoms of bruxism and TMJ pain, as well as helpful tips in dealing with this common condition.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
What is teeth grinding, and what causes it?
Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism), is a condition where a person clenches/grinds their teeth, and can occur in both children and adults. While bruxism can occur during the day, it also happens during sleep, which is why some people may not be aware of it until they experience the associated symptoms.
Most cases of teeth grinding are mild, and may not require any treatment. However if you experience moderate to severe bruxism, your dentist may suggest some treatment options that will alleviate the associated symptoms.
There are many factors that can influence teeth grinding; stress and mood is a common factor, but genetics, certain medications, and lifestyle habits (such as caffeine, alcohol, and smoking) can also play a role.
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
During a regular dental examination, your dentist will look for signs of teeth grinding, and will inform you if they find evidence of the condition.
Signs of bruxism that your dentist will check for include:
- Chipped/worn down teeth.
- Worn tooth enamel.
- Tooth sensitivity & pain (that is not associated with active decay/caries).
- Teeth/chewing marks on the side of the tongue/inside of cheeks.
You may also have noticed symptoms yourself, such as jaw pain/stiffness and tiredness of the jaw muscles, especially after waking up in the morning, or facial pain and associated headaches.
What dental treatments are available to help with teeth grinding?
While it is very difficult to stop teeth grinding completely, there are ways to minimise the effects of bruxism and prevent further damage to the teeth.
- The most common treatment offered to patients who grind their teeth is the use of a nightguard. Our nightguards are custom-made for each patient in a premium dental lab, using a digital scan of your exact dentition; ensuring it’s a perfect fit and comfortable to wear.
- For mild bruxism, wearing a nightguard can prevent the teeth from further wear and chipping. However for those who have more severe symptoms of teeth grinding, the dentist may instead recommend a hard stabilisation splint.
- This is also a type of mouthguard worn at night, but it is made of a thicker, harder material. A hard splint protects the teeth by acting as a barrier, reducing wear and fracture risk. The night splint also helps reduce symptoms by providing stability; this reduces strain on the jaw muscles, which may help to reduce the severity of associated muscle tenderness and headaches.
- Sometimes your dentist will refer you to a specialist in the case of severe bruxism, and other treatments may be considered, such as Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox) injections into the masseter muscles in the jaw. As these muscles are responsible for teeth grinding and clenching, Botox injections can limit their strength and reduce the intensity of grinding symptoms.
It is important to note that there is no one “solution” to bruxism, and a holistic approach is best when alleviating symptoms; treatments are often used in conjunction with one another, and lifestyle changes are also very important to consider; stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness and meditation, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and getting enough sleep each night, all play an important part in alleviating the severity of symptoms.
TMJ/Jaw Pain
What does TMJ mean?
Located just in front of the ears, the temporo-mandibular joints (commonly known as TMJs) are the joints between the lower jaw and the skull. Symptoms of pain from these joints and chewing muscles are quite common, and rarely a sign of serious problems- however it can still be very uncomfortable for those who suffer from continuous TMJ pain.
What are the symptoms of TMJ issues?
Symptoms can include:
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
- Headaches in the temple region.
- Aching tenderness in the jaw muscles around the face and temple region.
- Earache or tenderness in the TMJ located just in front of the ears.
- Jaws that sometimes lock open or closed.
- Spasm or cramps in the jaw area.
What causes TMJ pain?
TMJ pain occurs when the muscles in the jaw and the temporo-mandibular joint are out of alignment; when the ligaments, muscles, bones and joints of the jaws are overworked, this leads to pain and discomfort.
While the condition is not yet completely understood, likely factors that affect TMJ pain include:
- Stress, causing clenching of the jaws and grinding of the teeth (most common).
- Loss of back teeth, which affects biting position.
- Possibly orthodontics (though it may help reduce symptoms in some patients).
- Naturally misaligned teeth which deflect bite.
- Trauma to the joints.
What can I do to reduce TMJ pain?
- Rest your jaw, and yourself; Try to practice stress reduction techniques such as meditation and mindfulness, and adhere to a good sleep schedule.
- Eat soft foods, and avoid hard foods that require a lot of chewing.
- Chew on your back teeth, not the front ones, and eat small bites of food.
- Avoid contact sports where possible; if you do participate in contact sports, ensure to wear a well-fitting mouthguard.
- Avoid excessive jaw use such as grinding and clenching, or chewing gum.
- Avoid habits such as biting fingernails, pens and pencils, etc.
What can I do during an episode of severe/acute jaw pain?
- Reduce muscle pain with painkillers when needed (e.g. Ibuprofen 400mg three times a day, or 1g Paracetamol four times a day as required).
- Apply cold packs for 10 minutes every 3 hours to affected joint in front of ear, and hot packs for 20 minutes every 3 hours to affected joints/muscles.
In the event that you continually experience severe jaw pain, your dentist may refer you to an orofacial pain specialist, who will then assess your individual needs and recommend further treatment where necessary.
How do I book a consultation for bruxism/TMJ issues?
It is essential that you have a full consultation so that the dentist can create a comprehensive treatment plan that works best for you and your smile.
To organise a consultation with one of our clinicians, contact our patient care team on 091 757 678 or email info@renmoredental.ie for more information.
A list of all treatments we offer at the practice can be found in our treatment section.
