The Daily Grind: Managing Teeth Grinding and Bruxism

Waking up with sore jaws, frequent headaches, or teeth that seem to be wearing down faster than they should? These are all signs of bruxism, often known as teeth grinding. It is a very common concern that can lead to a number of dental and general health issues. This happens when you clench or grind your teeth when awake or asleep, and often, unknowingly. Headaches, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, and even tooth and gum damage can be brought on by teeth grinding. Thankfully, there are a number of strategies you can adopt to control teeth grinding and safeguard your oral health.

Bruxism is the repetitive grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, usually without a functional purpose like chewing food. It can occur:

• During sleep (sleep bruxism) – often harder to notice without someone pointing it out
• While awake (awake bruxism) – often linked to stress, concentration, or habits like jaw clenching

Bruxism is rarely the result of just one cause. Instead, it develops from a mix of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors:

• Stress and anxiety – Emotional tension is one of the most common triggers.
• Sleep disorders – Conditions such as sleep apnoea or disrupted sleep patterns can increase bruxism.
• Bite and alignment issues – Malocclusion may contribute to abnormal jaw movements.
• Medications and lifestyle factors – Caffeine, alcohol, and some medications can exacerbate grinding.

Bruxism can be subtle, but over time its effects become more noticeable. Signs may include:

• Flattened, chipped, or worn-down teeth
• Tooth sensitivity due to enamel loss
• Jaw pain or tightness in facial muscles
• Morning headaches or earaches
• Clicking or popping in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
• Disturbed sleep (for both the patient and their partner, who may hear grinding sounds)

While occasional clenching may not cause significant damage, chronic bruxism can have serious consequences, such as:

• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Increased risk of abfraction lesions near the gumline
• Damage to dental restorations (fillings, crowns, veneers)
• Long-term TMJ disorders, leading to chronic pain and limited jaw movement

Recognize the Triggers

Finding the causes of teeth grinding is the first step in controlling it. Drugs, sleep difficulties, stress and anxiety are typical bruxism triggers. You can take action to lessen or get rid of these triggers by figuring out what they are. Talk to your doctor about changing your medication or treating any underlying sleep disorders, or try stress-reduction methods like yoga, deep breathing or meditation.

Invest in a mouthguard

A mouthguard is a practical solution to safeguard your teeth from further wear caused by teeth grinding. All patients who proceed with either orthodontic or smile makeovers in our clinic are given one at the end of their treatment. Mouthguards can be worn during the day or while you sleep and are manufactured specifically to fit your teeth. They have a cuffing effect that lessens the harm that teeth and jaw grinding creates. For the greatest benefit, wear your mouthguard every night.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Teeth grinding often occurs during sleep, so practicing good sleep hygiene can help reduce the frequency and intensity of grinding. Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and create a relaxing sleep environment. You can also try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to help you fall asleep more easily. Exercising regularly earlier in the morning or day has shown to benefit sleep. 

Exercise Your Jaw Muscles

Strengthening your jaw muscles can help reduce the intensity of teeth grinding. Try simple exercises such as opening and closing your mouth, moving your jaw side to side, and pushing your lower jaw forward while keeping your teeth apart. These exercises can help relax your jaw muscles and reduce tension in your jaw.

Reduce or Eliminate Stimulants

Stimulants such as caffeine and tobacco can increase the likelihood of teeth grinding. If you are a regular coffee or tobacco user, try reducing your intake or eliminating it altogether. This is easier said than done but the first step is starting. You may find that your bruxism improves as a result.

Seek Professional Help

In some cases, teeth grinding can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition such as sleep apnea or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). If you have persistent bruxism despite trying the above techniques, or if you experience other symptoms such as snoring or jaw pain, it is important to seek professional help. We can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

Muscle Relaxants

A short-term solution is looking into injectables. The muscles that cause teeth grinding can be treated with an injection of muscle relaxants. Grinding can be lessened or stopped when muscle relaxants are injected into these muscles because it interferes with the nerve signals that direct the muscles to contract. The effects of injections for teeth grinding normally last for a few months before they completely disappear. This means that the procedure might need to be repeated on occasion which can be a costly expense.

Muscle relaxants can be a good teeth grinding treatment, but it's not a cure. To get long-lasting relief from the grinding, it's critical to treat its underlying causes, which may include stress, worry, or sleep problems. The best method for managing teeth grinding could involve a combination of muscle relaxant injections and other management strategies, like using a mouthguard, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and getting professional assistance if necessary.

Bruxism may seem harmless at first, but over time it can significantly affect dental health and overall quality of life. Recognising the signs early and seeking professional advice is key to protecting your teeth and jaw. With a combination of dental care, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medical support, bruxism can be effectively managed, ensuring your smile stays strong and healthy

Written By

Intan Nobury

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An appreciator of art, novels and high intensity sports. With a passion for work and a dangerous addiction to tea.