As a dentist at INO Dental clinic, I frequently see patients suffering from bruxism, a condition which, although seemingly trivial, can cause serious dental problems. Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep.
In the following, I will explain in detail what bruxism is, what causes it, the risks and how it can be treated effectively at our clinic.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a dental condition characterized by uncontrolled grinding or clenching of the teeth. Many patients are unaware that they are suffering from this condition until more serious symptoms, such as jaw pain or tooth wear, occur. Bruxism can be classified into two main types:
- Noc Nocturnal Bruxism: Occurs during sleep, and sufferers don’t realize they are damaging their teeth during the night.
- Daytime Bruxism: It occurs during the day, often triggered by stress or nervous tension.
Causes of bruxism
1. Emotional and psychological factors
A common cause of bruxism is emotional stress. Stressful situations or periods of anxiety can cause teeth to clench involuntarily. Studies show that about 70% of bruxism is associated with stress, a natural reaction of the body in times of stress.
2. Dental problems
Malocclusion (incorrect alignment of teeth) can also cause bruxism. When teeth don’t fit correctly in the bite, the jaw can be under extra stress, resulting in teeth grinding.
3. Other factors
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of bruxism.
- Certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, are linked to bruxism.
- Medications that affect the central nervous system can have the side effect of teeth grinding.
How can I tell if I have bruxism?
Bruxism can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages. Here are some common symptoms that may indicate the presence of the condition:
- Jaw pain or feeling tired in the morning.
- Frequent headaches, especially in the forehead or temple area.
- Increased tooth sensitivity or unexplained tooth pain.
- Visible wear to the teeth, the enamel is worn away.
- Grunting sounds produced during sleep (often noticed by your partner).
- Pain in the ear area with no apparent cause.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to schedule a dental visit to prevent complications.
Risks associated with bruxism
Untreated, this condition can cause serious oral health problems. Here are some major risks:
- Tooth enamel wear – Repeated teeth grinding can lead to tooth enamel loss, making teeth more vulnerable to cavities.
- Tooth cracks or fractures – Teeth can suffer structural damage, requiring more complex treatments such as crowns or dental implants.
- Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) – Bruxism can cause TMJ dysfunction, leading to chronic pain in the jaw area.
- Receding gums – Severe bruxism can contribute to gum tissue loss, exposing tooth roots and increasing the risk of infection.
- Chronic pain – Constant pain in the face, head and jaw area can affect patients’ quality of life.
When to go to INO Dental?
If you notice any of the symptoms described above, I encourage you to visit INO Dental. At our clinic, we offer personalized solutions to diagnose and treat bruxism using modern technology and advanced dental expertise. Here are some clear signs that you should contact us:
- Jaw or tooth pain persists in the morning or throughout the day.
- Headaches are common, especially after waking up.
- Your teeth show visible wear or you have difficulty eating harder foods.
Bruxism treatment at INO Dental
Treatment of bruxism varies depending on the cause and severity of the condition. At INO Dentalwe use several effective methods to protect teeth and reduce discomfort:
Personalized dental mouthguards
One of the most common treatments is the use of custom-made dental mouth guards, which protect teeth from wear and tear during the night. They are comfortable and effective in preventing tooth damage.
Relaxation therapy and stress management
Since stress is often a root cause of bruxism, we recommend that patients adopt relaxation techniques, such as meditation or breathing exercises, to reduce the tension that leads to teeth grinding.
Correcting malocclusion
For patients who suffer from bruxism due to teeth misalignment, we can propose orthodontic solutions to correct the bite and reduce stress on the jaw.
Botox injections
In more severe cases, injecting botulinum toxin into the jaw muscles can be an effective option to relax the muscles and reduce the frequency of bruxing episodes.
Good to know – 10 useful examples
- Bruxism affects around 30% of the population, and many patients are unaware that they suffer from the condition.
- If left untreated, bruxism can lead to complete loss of tooth enamel.
- Noc nocturnal bruxism is the most common and can only be discovered during a dental check-up.
- Chronic stress is one of the main triggers of bruxism.
- A custom-fitted mouthpiece can significantly reduce the risk of dental cracks.
- 75% of people with nocturnal bruxism are unaware of the condition until dental complications develop.
- Malocclusion can worsen bruxism, increasing the risk of TMJ damage.
- Botox treatment can reduce muscle activity in severe cases of bruxism.
- Monitoring sleep habits can help identify bruxism.
- A dentist may notice unusual tooth wear and other signs of bruxism during a routine check-up.
What should you do now?
If you suspect you suffer from bruxism or have noticed symptoms such as jaw pain, tooth wear or frequent headaches, it’s time to schedule a consultation at InoDental. Our specialists will help you find the right solution for you and prevent damage to your teeth.
Schedule online now:
To make an appointment online at INO Dental, the process is very simple and quick. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Access the clinic’s online appointment platform: INO Dental Appointment Request.
- Choose the clinic where you want to go, either Floreasca or Pantelimon.
- Select the day and time that suits you by checking availability in the online calendar.
- Choose the dentist you want to see for consultation or treatment.
- Fill in your personal details (name, surname, phone number, e-mail) to complete your appointment.
After following these steps, you will receive a confirmation by e-mail or phone for your appointment. We are waiting for you at INO Dental!
