Bruxism is the clenching or grinding of teeth. It’s the repeated jaw-muscle activity of the facial or chewing muscles. With bruxism, you grind or clench your teeth, or you may brace or thrust your jawbone (mandible). It’s typically not done on purpose.
You may clench and grind your teeth during the day (wakeful bruxism), but it’s more common to do it at night while you sleep (sleep-related bruxism). It most often occurs in the early part of sleep. It may or may not be something you can hear. Bruxism can be mild, or it may occur more often and with more force.
What causes bruxism?
Oral health specialists often point to too much stress and certain personality types as causes of bruxism. It often affects people with nervous tension, such as anger, pain, or frustration. It also affects people who are aggressive, hurried, or very competitive. There is some proof that in some people, bruxism is caused by an imbalance in brain neurotransmitters. Also, some medicines, such as the antidepressants fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine, can cause bruxism.
How is bruxism diagnosed?
If your dentist or healthcare provider thinks you may have bruxism, you may be asked about your family history, your health history, symptoms, and risk factors. The provider will ask about your sleep quality and if you have morning jaw pain or severe tiredness (fatigue), headaches, or jaw locking. You’ll be asked about any medicines you take and your caffeine and alcohol intake. You’ll be asked if you have conditions such as GERD or a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea.
During regular dental visits, your dentist will check your teeth for signs of bruxism, such as flattened tips of the teeth. There are other causes of tooth wear and tear, or jaw pain. If you have bruxism symptoms, your dentist or other healthcare provider may watch the condition over the next few visits before treatment is started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bruxism is the habitual clenching and grinding of teeth, often during sleep. Signs include: waking with jaw soreness or headaches, worn or flattened teeth, chipped enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, and a partner reporting grinding sounds at night. Dr. Mehta identifies bruxism signs during regular exams.
Yes. Grinding exerts forces that can crack, chip, or wear down even strong restorations. Patients with veneers, crowns, or implants are especially encouraged to wear a nightguard to protect their investment. Oxford Smiles fabricates custom nightguards fitted precisely to your bite.
Custom nightguards are fabricated from impressions of your teeth, ensuring a precise fit that keeps the guard stable throughout the night. Over-the-counter guards are generic, often bulky, and can actually worsen grinding behavior in some patients by stimulating jaw muscles.
Stress is a major trigger. Complementary strategies include: stress management (therapy, mindfulness), limiting caffeine and alcohol - both intensify grinding - jaw-relaxation exercises, and physical therapy for jaw muscle tension. A nightguard addresses tooth protection; other interventions address the root cause.
Yes. Chronic clenching overloads the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing pain, clicking, limited jaw opening, and in severe cases, joint damage (TMD). Early intervention with a nightguard and lifestyle changes can prevent mild bruxism from progressing to full-blown TMJ disorder.
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Dr. Aditya Mehta – Compassionate Cosmetic & General Dentist
Dr. Mehta, inspired by a family legacy of 15 doctors, brings a deep-rooted passion for healthcare to his work at Oxford Smiles in Marlborough. With a commitment to excellence, he combines advanced dentistry with a warm, personalized approach to ensure every patient feels valued and cared for.
He specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry. Dr. Mehta focuses on creating natural-looking smiles, offering comfortable, anxiety-free visits, and staying at the forefront of dental innovation through continuous education. Trusted for both his gentle care and expertise, Dr. Mehta helps patients achieve lasting oral health with a strong emphasis on transparency and trust.
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We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only
within Marlborough
but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our
commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
- Marlborough
- Auburn
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