What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the result of repetitive activation of masticatory muscles characterized by grinding and clenching the teeth and locking the mandible in a fixed position even without teeth contact.

One of many researches showed that there is 12.8%prevalence of bruxism in adult population.

It is a significant clinical phenomenon and it is considered the most harmful parafunction for stomatognathic system.

Why it is important to understand bruxism and to be aware of it?

Because knowing about it we can prevent it’s consequences.

Did you know that there is awake bruxism and sleep bruxism?

Awake bruxism is much easier to be self diagnosed. Brux app- Try this app that has been developed by Italian and international specialists. It is a useful tool not only for diagnostics but also for re-education.

What are the causes of bruxism?

It has multifactorial origin:

stress, sleep quality, genetics, dopa system, anatomy, neurochemistry, anxiety + one of the main risk factors for bruxism is smoking + very often predisposing factors are GERD and Sleep Apnea.

What are the consequences of bruxism?

In general, the clinical signs of bruxism is dental wear. The real consequence is a combination of erosions, abfractions, attritions and functional activities (mastication) and parafunctions (bruxism, biting objects and nails) that is conditioned by mandibular movements and external factors as diet and some medical conditions (GERD)

What we can do about it?

The most important is to be aware of it’s existance; as it’s origin is always multifactorial, work on the factors that normally are contributing factors. For instance: if you grind during the day, to practice reeducation of your habit; if you drink a lot of fizzy drinks or acid drinks to be aware and reduce them and keep adequate oral hygiene; to cure underlaying conditions; to consciously work on stress reduction. These are only some of examples.

Management of bruxism? 

Counseling and education, biofeedback, self exercises and massage, applying warm packs, relaxing exercises, occlusal therapy- occlusal splint, pharmacological therapy. 

As a dentist, I feel importance to mention that in order to prevent further tooth wear, should be used not only occlusal splint but also possibly protecting further wear by direct  and indirect restorations as ceramic veneers and crowns.

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