Quick Summary
Common Symptoms
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Jaw pain or tightness
- Morning headaches
- Ear pain or ringing
Treatment Options
- Custom night guards (occlusal splints)
- Botox injections for severe cases
- Stress management techniques
- Orthodontic treatment for bite issues
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Complete Guide
Bruxism is the habitual grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, occurring either during sleep (sleep bruxism) or while awake (awake bruxism). It affects approximately 8-10% of adults and can cause significant dental damage if untreated.
Types of Bruxism
Sleep Bruxism
Occurs during sleep, often associated with:
- Sleep apnea and snoring
- Arousals during sleep transitions
- Less conscious control
- More severe tooth damage
Awake Bruxism
Occurs during wakefulness, typically related to:
- Stress and concentration
- Anxiety or tension
- More clenching than grinding
- Jaw muscle fatigue
Damage Caused by Bruxism
Tooth Damage
- Attrition: Flattened chewing surfaces
- Abfraction: Notches at gumline
- Fractures: Cracked or broken teeth
- Sensitivity: Worn enamel exposing dentin
- Failed restorations: Broken fillings or crowns
Jaw Problems
- TMJ disorders: Pain, clicking, limited opening
- Muscle hypertrophy: Enlarged jaw muscles
- Myofascial pain: Headaches, ear pain, neck pain
Other Effects
- Sleep disruption: Poor sleep quality for patient and partner
- Tooth mobility: Loosening of teeth
- Bone loss: Around tooth roots
Comprehensive Treatment at ORC
Custom Occlusal Splints
- Stabilization splint: Full-arch coverage, even force distribution
- Anterior bite plane: Reduces muscle activity
- NTI device: Prevents molar contact
Advanced Therapies
- Botox injections: Temporarily weaken masseter muscles
- Physical therapy: Jaw exercises and manual therapy
- Biofeedback: Train awareness of clenching habits
Common Causes
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep disorders (sleep apnea)
- Misaligned bite (malocclusion)
- Caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco use
- Medications (SSRIs)
- Genetics and family history
Treatment Options
- Custom night guards (occlusal splints)
- Botox injections for severe cases
- Stress management techniques
- Orthodontic treatment for bite issues
- Sleep apnea treatment
- Muscle relaxants (short-term)
Grinding your teeth at night? You could be causing $10,000 worth of damage without knowing it.
Patient Success Story
A patient kept getting headaches and cracked teeth. A custom night guard stopped the grinding damage and eliminated the morning headaches within a week.
Why Patients Trust Us
- Affects 30% of adults
- Causes cracked teeth & jaw pain
- Custom night guards effective
- Often stress-related
What Happens If You Delay Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?
No more headaches, no more cracked teeth — a simple night guard protected this patient's entire investment in their teeth.
