Bruxism is a common but often misunderstood condition that is affecting an increasing number of people worldwide. If you’re wondering, “What is bruxism?” and are looking for the answer, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we outline the five key points you need to know to understand this condition, from its possible causes to the treatments available.
1. Defining bruxism: what is it?
Bruxism refers to the involuntary habit of clenching or grinding one’s teeth, usually at night, although it can also occur during the day, even whilst awake and fully conscious. This condition can have negative consequences for both dental and general health. In the long run, this can lead to other, more serious problems.
The consequences of bruxism go beyond tooth wear, which is one of the most obvious consequences of this condition, but its effects are not limited to that alone. People who suffer from bruxism may experience pain in the jaw, neck and head, and the pain may even radiate to the ear area.
Furthermore, bruxism can be chronic and trigger recurrent headaches, which in some cases develop into migraines. The pressure placed on the jaw muscles when clenching the teeth can lead to problems with the temporomandibular joints, manifesting as pain and difficulty opening and closing the mouth, clicking sounds when chewing, or even causing temporary jaw locking.
2. Causes of bruxism:
The next step in understanding bruxism is to identify its causes. Factors such as stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth and genetic factors can contribute to the development of this condition. It is important to investigate these causes in order to tackle the problem, which is why it is important to see a specialist. At our dental clinic, the first appointment is free and without obligation, so you can come in for a check-up and assessment to address your bruxism.
3. Treatments for bruxism:
There are various treatment options and approaches available to combat bruxism. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and cause of the condition, which is why it is important to assess each case individually. These range from behavioural or physiotherapy treatments to more innovative approaches such as facial yoga for bruxism or Botox. Of all the options available for alleviating your symptoms, one is essential: the offloading splint.
4. The Offloading Splint:
A bite splint is an essential tool in the treatment of bruxism. Not only does it prevent tooth wear, but it is also crucial for maintaining other dental treatments, such as veneers, crowns or even implants, which could be affected by the constant pressure caused by clenching the teeth. That is why at Vila Dental we recommend checking whether a patient suffers from bruxism after each treatment, so that we can fit a bite splint to ensure that the treatments already carried out remain effective.
It is important to note that buying a generic mouthguard from a pharmacy or other retailer will not provide the desired benefits, as a custom-made mouthguard, such as the ones we offer at Vila Dental, fits the patient’s mouth perfectly and addresses the problem in a precise and personalised manner. A custom-made splint is therefore also much more comfortable than a generic one.
5. Botox for bruxism:
Some people consider Botox as a treatment for bruxism, but it is important to bear in mind that Botox provides temporary relief lasting approximately six months to a year, so the treatment must be repeated as often as necessary. Furthermore, to ensure greater effectiveness and longevity, it is advisable to use a bite splint, combining both treatments to make the Botox last longer and be more effective. At Vila Dental, we therefore always recommend that you visit our dental clinic first, so that we can fit you with a bite splint before considering any other alternative treatments, and thus assess whether the condition improves.
In short, understanding what bruxism is involves recognising its symptoms and identifying its possible causes. It is important to bear in mind that patients are often unaware that they suffer from bruxism, as it usually occurs whilst they are asleep; this is why it is important to have regular dental check-ups, so that this condition can be detected at an early stage. Tackling bruxism at an early stage can prevent long-term complications and improve the quality of sleep and quality of life.
Whether you opt for behavioural therapy, physiotherapy or more innovative treatments, we always recommend combining any of these with a pressure-relieving splint. At Vila Dental, we are committed to providing personalised and effective solutions for bruxism and other oral health issues.
