Bruxism: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Bruxism
| image          = [[File:Deviated_midline_2.JPG|250px]]
| caption        = A person with bruxism showing a deviated midline due to teeth grinding
| field          = [[Dentistry]]
| synonyms        = Teeth grinding, teeth clenching
| symptoms        = [[Tooth wear]], [[tooth pain]], [[jaw pain]], [[headache]], [[earache]]
| complications  = [[Temporomandibular joint disorder]], [[tooth damage]], [[sleep disruption]]
| onset          = Any age, commonly in [[adulthood]]
| duration        = Can be [[chronic]] or [[episodic]]
| causes          = [[Stress]], [[anxiety]], [[sleep disorders]], [[malocclusion]], [[medications]]
| risks          = [[Stress]], [[smoking]], [[alcohol consumption]], [[caffeine]]
| diagnosis      = [[Clinical examination]], [[patient history]], [[sleep study]]
| differential    = [[Temporomandibular joint disorder]], [[toothache]], [[ear infection]]
| prevention      = [[Stress management]], [[mouthguard]], [[dental correction]]
| treatment      = [[Behavioral therapy]], [[dental splints]], [[medication]]
| medication      = [[Muscle relaxants]], [[botulinum toxin]]
| frequency      = Common, affects 8-31% of the population
}}
{{Infobox medical condition (new)  
{{Infobox medical condition (new)  
| name            = Bruxism  
| name            = Bruxism  
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| image          = Deviated midline 2.JPG  
| image          = Deviated midline 2.JPG  
| caption        = Attrition (tooth wear caused by tooth-to-tooth contact) can be a manifestation of bruxism.  
| caption        = Attrition (tooth wear caused by tooth-to-tooth contact) can be a manifestation of bruxism.  
| pronounce      = {{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|r|ʌ|k|s|ɪ|z|əm}}
| pronounce      = {{IPAc-en|Àà|b|r| å|k|s|…™|z|…ôm}}
| field          = [[Dentistry]]
| field          = [[Dentistry]]
| symptoms        = Tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, sensitive teeth, [[temporomandibular joint dysfunction|TMJ]] pain, sleep disturbances
| symptoms        = Tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, sensitive teeth, [[temporomandibular joint dysfunction|TMJ]] pain, sleep disturbances
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}}
}}
[[File:Topviewtooth.jpg|left|thumb|View from above of an anterior (front) tooth showing severe [[Tooth wear|tooth wear]] exposing the [[Dentin|dentin]] layer. The [[Dental pulp|pulp chamber]] is visible.]]
[[File:Topviewtooth.jpg|left|thumb|View from above of an anterior (front) tooth showing severe [[Tooth wear|tooth wear]] exposing the [[Dentin|dentin]] layer. The [[Dental pulp|pulp chamber]] is visible.]]
[[File:Gray382.png|thumbnail|left|The left [[Temporalis muscle|temporalis muscle]]]]
[[File:Gray382.png|left|thumbnail|left|The left [[Temporalis muscle|temporalis muscle]]]]
[[File:Gray383.png|thumbnail|right|The left [[Medial pterygoid muscle|medial pterygoid muscle]] and [[Lateral pterygoid muscle|lateral pterygoid muscle]]]]
[[File:Gray383.png|left|thumbnail|right|The left [[Medial pterygoid muscle|medial pterygoid muscle]] and [[Lateral pterygoid muscle|lateral pterygoid muscle]]]]
[[File:Gray378 (masseter highlight).png|thumb|right|The left [[Masseter muscle|masseter muscle]] in red]]
[[File:Gray378 (masseter highlight).png|left|thumb|The left [[Masseter muscle|masseter muscle]] in red]]
 
'''Bruxism''' is the excessive grinding of the [[teeth]] or clenching of the [[jaw]], often an unconscious habit. It is classified as a [[parafunctional habit]], meaning it serves no functional purpose such as eating or speaking. Bruxism can occur while awake (awake bruxism) or during sleep (sleep bruxism).
'''Bruxism''' is the excessive grinding of the [[teeth]] or clenching of the [[jaw]], often an unconscious habit. It is classified as a [[parafunctional habit]], meaning it serves no functional purpose such as eating or speaking. Bruxism can occur while awake (awake bruxism) or during sleep (sleep bruxism).
== Types of Bruxism ==
== Types of Bruxism ==
Bruxism is typically divided into two categories:
Bruxism is typically divided into two categories:
* '''[[Sleep bruxism]]''' – occurs during [[sleep]] and is considered a [[sleep-related movement disorder]].
* '''[[Sleep bruxism]]''' – occurs during [[sleep]] and is considered a [[sleep-related movement disorder]].
* '''Awake bruxism''' – occurs during [[wakefulness]], often in response to stress or anxiety.
* '''Awake bruxism''' – occurs during [[wakefulness]], often in response to stress or anxiety.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
The exact causes of bruxism are not fully understood, but several contributing factors may include:
The exact causes of bruxism are not fully understood, but several contributing factors may include:
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* [[Neurodevelopmental disorders]] (e.g., [[ADHD]])
* [[Neurodevelopmental disorders]] (e.g., [[ADHD]])
* Substance use (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs)
* Substance use (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs)
== Signs and Symptoms ==
== Signs and Symptoms ==
Common signs and symptoms of bruxism include:
Common signs and symptoms of bruxism include:
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* [[Scalloped tongue]] or [[linea alba]] on the inner cheeks due to cheek biting
* [[Scalloped tongue]] or [[linea alba]] on the inner cheeks due to cheek biting
* Enlargement (hypertrophy) of the [[masseter muscle]]
* Enlargement (hypertrophy) of the [[masseter muscle]]
== Tooth Wear and Damage ==
== Tooth Wear and Damage ==
[[Tooth wear]] from bruxism often appears as:
[[Tooth wear]] from bruxism often appears as:
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* Cracks and [[tooth fractures]]
* Cracks and [[tooth fractures]]
* Compromised [[dental crowns]], [[fillings]], and [[veneers]]
* Compromised [[dental crowns]], [[fillings]], and [[veneers]]
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Bruxism is diagnosed based on:
Bruxism is diagnosed based on:
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* Observation by a partner (especially for sleep bruxism)
* Observation by a partner (especially for sleep bruxism)
* Use of [[polysomnography]] in complex or uncertain cases
* Use of [[polysomnography]] in complex or uncertain cases
== Complications ==
== Complications ==
Untreated bruxism can lead to:
Untreated bruxism can lead to:
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* [[Myofascial pain syndrome]]
* [[Myofascial pain syndrome]]
* Sleep disturbances
* Sleep disturbances
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
While there is no single cure, treatments focus on symptom management and preventing further damage.
While there is no single cure, treatments focus on symptom management and preventing further damage.
=== Dental Interventions ===
=== Dental Interventions ===
* '''[[Occlusal splints]]''' (night guards): Custom devices that protect teeth from grinding forces.
* '''[[Occlusal splints]]''' (night guards): Custom devices that protect teeth from grinding forces.
* '''Occlusal adjustment''': Selective reshaping of tooth surfaces to balance the bite (used cautiously).
* '''Occlusal adjustment''': Selective reshaping of tooth surfaces to balance the bite (used cautiously).
* '''Restorative dentistry''': Repairing damaged teeth with crowns or other restorations.
* '''Restorative dentistry''': Repairing damaged teeth with crowns or other restorations.
=== Behavioral Therapy ===
=== Behavioral Therapy ===
* '''[[Stress management]]''' techniques such as [[biofeedback]], [[cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT), [[meditation]], and [[relaxation therapy]]
* '''[[Stress management]]''' techniques such as [[biofeedback]], [[cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT), [[meditation]], and [[relaxation therapy]]
* '''[[Sleep hygiene]]''' improvements to reduce nighttime grinding
* '''[[Sleep hygiene]]''' improvements to reduce nighttime grinding
* '''Awareness training''' to reduce daytime clenching
* '''Awareness training''' to reduce daytime clenching
=== Medications ===
=== Medications ===
* '''[[Muscle relaxants]]''' before bedtime (short-term use)
* '''[[Muscle relaxants]]''' before bedtime (short-term use)
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* '''Adjustment of antidepressants''' if they contribute to bruxism
* '''Adjustment of antidepressants''' if they contribute to bruxism
* '''[[Botulinum toxin]] (Botox)''' injections in severe cases to reduce muscle activity
* '''[[Botulinum toxin]] (Botox)''' injections in severe cases to reduce muscle activity
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis varies. Many individuals experience improvement with stress management and dental protection. In children, sleep bruxism often resolves without treatment.
The prognosis varies. Many individuals experience improvement with stress management and dental protection. In children, sleep bruxism often resolves without treatment.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Temporomandibular joint dysfunction]]
* [[Temporomandibular joint dysfunction]]
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* [[Dentistry]]
* [[Dentistry]]
* [[Muscles of mastication]]
* [[Muscles of mastication]]
{{SleepSeries2}}
{{SleepSeries2}}
{{Mental and behavioral disorders|selected = physical}}
{{Mental and behavioral disorders|selected = physical}}

Latest revision as of 19:29, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Bruxism
File:Deviated midline 2.JPG
Synonyms Teeth grinding, teeth clenching
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Tooth wear, tooth pain, jaw pain, headache, earache
Complications Temporomandibular joint disorder, tooth damage, sleep disruption
Onset Any age, commonly in adulthood
Duration Can be chronic or episodic
Types N/A
Causes Stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, malocclusion, medications
Risks Stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine
Diagnosis Clinical examination, patient history, sleep study
Differential diagnosis Temporomandibular joint disorder, toothache, ear infection
Prevention Stress management, mouthguard, dental correction
Treatment Behavioral therapy, dental splints, medication
Medication Muscle relaxants, botulinum toxin
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common, affects 8-31% of the population
Deaths N/A


Bruxism
File:Deviated midline 2.JPG
Synonyms Teeth grinding, jaw clenching
Pronounce
Field Dentistry
Symptoms Tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, sensitive teeth, TMJ pain, sleep disturbances
Complications Tooth fracture, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, tooth loss, periodontal disease, myofascial pain
Onset Can occur at any age; often starts in childhood or early adulthood
Duration Chronic or episodic
Types Awake bruxism, sleep bruxism
Causes Stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, malocclusion, side effects of certain medications
Risks Emotional stress, caffeine or alcohol use, certain drugs (e.g. SSRIs), poor sleep habits, family history
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation, patient history, observation, sometimes polysomnography
Differential diagnosis Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, tooth erosion, occlusal trauma, myofascial pain syndrome
Prevention Stress management, good sleep hygiene, behavior modification, limiting stimulants
Treatment Occlusal splints, behavioral therapy, stress reduction, medications (e.g., muscle relaxants, botulinum toxin)
Medication Muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, anxiolytics, botulinum toxin
Prognosis Good with treatment, but may recur with stress or sleep disruption
Frequency Affects 8–31% of the population; more common in children and young adults
Deaths Rare; not typically fatal


File:Topviewtooth.jpg
View from above of an anterior (front) tooth showing severe tooth wear exposing the dentin layer. The pulp chamber is visible.
File:Gray382.png
The left temporalis muscle
File:Gray383.png
The left medial pterygoid muscle and lateral pterygoid muscle
File:Gray378 (masseter highlight).png
The left masseter muscle in red

Bruxism is the excessive grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw, often an unconscious habit. It is classified as a parafunctional habit, meaning it serves no functional purpose such as eating or speaking. Bruxism can occur while awake (awake bruxism) or during sleep (sleep bruxism).

Types of Bruxism[edit]

Bruxism is typically divided into two categories:

Causes[edit]

The exact causes of bruxism are not fully understood, but several contributing factors may include:

Signs and Symptoms[edit]

Common signs and symptoms of bruxism include:

Tooth Wear and Damage[edit]

Tooth wear from bruxism often appears as:

Diagnosis[edit]

Bruxism is diagnosed based on:

  • Clinical examination of tooth wear and jaw muscle tension
  • Patient-reported symptoms such as jaw pain or morning headaches
  • Observation by a partner (especially for sleep bruxism)
  • Use of polysomnography in complex or uncertain cases

Complications[edit]

Untreated bruxism can lead to:

Treatment[edit]

While there is no single cure, treatments focus on symptom management and preventing further damage.

Dental Interventions[edit]

  • Occlusal splints (night guards): Custom devices that protect teeth from grinding forces.
  • Occlusal adjustment: Selective reshaping of tooth surfaces to balance the bite (used cautiously).
  • Restorative dentistry: Repairing damaged teeth with crowns or other restorations.

Behavioral Therapy[edit]

Medications[edit]

  • Muscle relaxants before bedtime (short-term use)
  • Anxiolytics (for stress-related bruxism)
  • Adjustment of antidepressants if they contribute to bruxism
  • Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections in severe cases to reduce muscle activity

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis varies. Many individuals experience improvement with stress management and dental protection. In children, sleep bruxism often resolves without treatment.

See also[edit]