Bruxism

F.A.Q.

Bruxism

Bruxism is a parafunctional behavior/habit where the patient grinds, hits, squeezes and touches the teeth or holds and tenses the jaw in the same position. Patients with complete absence of teeth may also have bruxism.

The habit of bruxism is more common than we imagine and happens involuntarily with involvement of our Central Nervous System (CNS), not being caused by anatomical factors such as occlusion.

It is divided into a few types. The best known are sleep and wakefulness – we no longer use the terms night or day, as we can sleep during the day and clench our teeth, or even spend hours awake at night and also clench our teeth. In each case the patient will present different conditions, different pathophysiology, different diagnoses and also different types of control.

The most common signs/symptoms of bruxism include wear, cracks, fractures and tooth sensitivity, marks on the side of the tongue and cheeks (alba line).

Commonly, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) is more associated with awake bruxism, which can lead the patient to report discomfort, tiredness or muscle pain in the face and neck, headache, dislocations and noises in the TMJs.

Bruxism has no cure, only control. Approaches must be reversible, and bruxism can be understood as a sign of another health condition.

Treatment

For sleep bruxism, an approach involving the use of an occlusal splint during sleep is recommended; guidelines regarding sleep hygiene; and, when necessary, psychology and medication for pain and muscle relaxation. The interocclusal splint does not reduce the bruxism events, but it has a transitory effect of decreasing the episodes and protects the teeth and periodontium.

In controlling waking bruxism, the patient must be made aware of his habit so that he can try to change his lifestyle. You can use visual aids such as stickers and reminders or even mobile apps that help you remember to loosen your teeth or contract your jaw muscles.

Psychosocial aspects should be investigated, which may lead to other guidelines. It is common to indicate practices such as yoga and meditation, physical exercises, physical and psychological therapies, according to each case.

Frequently asked questions about bruxism

Can children with bruxism become adults with bruxism?

Yes! Recent studies have confirmed a strong association between sleep bruxism in childhood and the development of bruxism in adulthood. Studies suggest that the odds increase by up to 8x.

Can I use a malleable plate to control my bruxism?

No! The malleable plates (silicone) cause a significant increase in the activity of the muscles involved in the bruxism process. The plates are always made of rigid material and must be well adapted and adjusted for easy use and control and to avoid the consequences of habit. So it’s super important to make them with an expert.

How long do I clench my teeth in my sleep?

Usually, the patient imagines that he spends hours non-stop clenching his teeth, but what studies show is that the patient usually does around 15 minutes in 8 hours of sleep, a short time compared to waking bruxism.

Our Experts

Dental Surgeon Graduation UnB
Clinical residency in Switzerland
Specialist in TMD and Orofacial Pain
Specialist in Chronic Pain, USP
Improvement in Interdisciplinary Pain Management, USP
Author of the 1st TMD Consensus Term
Founding body of the Brazilian Society of TMD and Orofacial Pain (SBDOF)
Founder of the PACTO Program, exclusively for the treatment of patients with Temporomandibular Disorders
Laser therapist, by the International Academy of Laser in Dentistry, acronym in English IALD/SP

Bachelor’s Degree in Dentistry, UnB
Specialist in TMD and Orofacial Pain, IEO – Bauru
Specialist in Oral Rehabilitation, Instituto ARIA – DF
Laser therapist, ARIA Institute – DF
Founding member of the Brazilian Society of TMD and Orofacial Pain (SBDOF)
Excellence Course in Composite Resins, Newton Fahl – Curitiba
Improvement Course in Botulinum Toxin and Orofacial Fillers, ABO – GO
Visiting Professor at the University of Brasília, Prosthesis Area of Clínica Integrada II – 2017
PACTO Method Coordinator, Centro Odontologia Integrada Simone Carrara