You ask, we answer. What is bruxism?

If you wake up in the morning with sore jaw muscles, headache or earache that go away later, or if your teeth are sensitive to cold, you may be suffering from bruxism, says dentist Rūta Zykutė.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a pathological involuntary habit of grinding or clenching the teeth when not chewing or swallowing food. “The main symptom is usually a dull headache and severe tooth clenching upon waking in the morning,” says the dentist. According to her, some specialists believe that teeth grinding is a natural bodily response to events experienced during the day or expected in the future.

“When it comes to tooth grinding, it should be noted that teeth should be in contact for about 20 minutes a day during chewing and swallowing,” says Rūta Zykutė. According to the dentist, in the case of grinding, patients rub the surfaces of their teeth together intensively for a much longer period of time, thereby traumatising the tooth surface, causing muscle pain and damaging the joint.

“It is estimated that about 85 to 90% of all people grind their teeth at some stage in their lives,” says the specialist. It has been found that women grind their teeth more often during the day, but at night, grinding is equal in both sexes.

“Patients do not complain about grinding as such most of the time, they are not even aware that they do it. Grinding or clenching teeth usually seems normal. After all, there is even a saying that “I’ve gone through life with clenched teeth,” says Rūta Zykutė. According to her, the most common complaints are about the consequences of teeth grinding.

According to the dentist, no specific causes for teeth grinding have been identified. “In my opinion, one of the most important ones is emotional tension and stress,” she says. It has also been observed that people who are competitive, hyperactive, aggressive or depressed, and those who tend to accumulate anxiety and anger, grind their teeth much more often.

Certain medications, psychotropic or narcotic substances, and nicotine also have an impact on grinding. Smokers grind their teeth twice as often as non-smokers. According to Rūta Zykutė, other causes of bruxism include malocclusion, tooth loss, diseases of the oral mucosa, incorrect restorations (fillings that are too high, etc.), and a deficiency of magnesium and B vitamins.

“Teeth grinding is usually caused by a combination of the causes listed above,” says the specialist. It is very important to notice the symptoms in time and consult your dentist. Most patients seek help much too late.

According to the doctor, in order to cure bruxism, it is important to diagnose the condition first, assess the extent of the damage and only then choose a treatment plan. “It may be enough to restore the worn surfaces, however, a complete bite adjustment procedure, i.e. complete oral rehabilitation, may be necessary,” says Rūta Zykutė. In addition, the patient needs a protective mouthguard, and in very complex cases, botulinum toxin therapy is used, but most importantly, according to the dentist, successful treatment depends on the patient’s awareness, motivation, and work on personal self-control and emotions.