Bruxism Treatment

You Might Be Damaging Your Teeth Without Realizing It
Bruxism is the involuntary habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, often occurring during sleep. Over time, it can lead to problems such as tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and tension in the facial muscles. Stress and anxiety are among the main triggers, while jaw misalignment and sleep disorders can also increase the severity of bruxism.

If left untreated, bruxism can negatively affect both oral health and overall quality of life. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, it is entirely manageable.

Symptoms of Bruxism

• Jaw pain or fatigue in the morning

• Tooth wear, cracks, or fractures

• Head, neck, or facial pain

• Ringing or fullness in the ears

• Gum recession

• Grinding noises during sleep (often noticed by a partner)

• Limited mouth opening or jaw locking

Causes of Bruxism

• Stress and anxiety

• Sleep disorders (sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, etc.)

• Bite misalignment (malocclusion)

• Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures

• Neurological conditions

• Side effects of certain medications

• Burnout or emotional trauma

Treatment of Bruxism

1. Night Guard (Splint) Therapy
   Custom-made night guards prepared by dentists prevent teeth from grinding against each other and reduce tension on the jaw muscles. Regular use helps relax the muscles, protect the teeth, and relieve pain.

2. Muscle Relaxation and Supportive Therapies
   In some cases, physiotherapy, Botox injections, or massage therapy may be recommended to relax the jaw and facial muscles, in addition to using a night guard.

3. Psychological Support and Stress Management
   For stress-related bruxism, psychological therapy, breathing exercises, meditation, and lifestyle changes can be highly effective.

4. Dental and Jaw Adjustments
   Correcting bite problems through replacing missing teeth or adjusting high fillings and ill-fitting prosthetics helps eliminate mechanical causes.

Benefits of Bruxism Treatment

• Prevents further tooth wear and damage

• Relaxes jaw muscles and reduces pain

• Decreases headaches and facial pain

• Improves sleep quality

• Provides psychological relief

• Prevents joint disorders caused by chronic clenching

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can bruxism be completely cured?
   Symptoms greatly improve when stress is managed and night guards are used consistently. Long-term improvement requires regular follow-up and a multidisciplinary approach.

2. Do I need to wear my night guard every night?
   Yes. Consistent use protects the jaw muscles and prevents tooth damage.

3. Will the night guard straighten my teeth?
   No. A night guard prevents clenching and grinding; it is not the same as orthodontic treatment.

4. Can Botox be used for teeth clenching?
   Yes. Botox injections into the jaw muscles help prevent excessive contraction and relieve tension.

5. Does bruxism occur in children?
   Yes. It can appear during stressful periods, tooth transition phases, or in children with sleep disturbances.