Notice frequent discomfort in your jaw, neck pain, or regular headaches? It might be time to pay attention to your health and schedule a visit to your dentist! In this article, we will explore what bruxism is, how to recognize it early, as well as available treatment and prevention methods.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary clenching of the jaw and contraction of the chewing muscles. It can manifest in several ways:
Clenching the jaw while “grinding” the upper and lower teeth against each other;
Tapping the teeth together;
A combined form (both symptoms).
Bruxism may occur not only during sleep but also when you’re awake. According to research [1], about 22.2% of people worldwide suffer from this condition.
Why is Bruxism Dangerous?
If you think bruxism only causes headaches and jaw discomfort, think again. Without timely treatment, bruxism can lead to serious consequences:
Accelerated tooth wear and thinning of tooth enamel;
Cracks and chips in the enamel;
Inflammatory gum diseases (periodontitis, gingivitis);
Increased tooth sensitivity (to cold, hot, or sweet);
Tooth loosening and even tooth loss;
Deformation of the lower part of the face;
Damage to implants, crowns, and other dental restorations.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Consult a dentist if you notice the following bruxism symptoms:
Pain in the chewing muscles (especially in the morning);
Difficulty opening your mouth (pulling or sharp pains);
Frequent headaches or migraines;
Neck and back pain;
Increased tooth sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet foods;
Sleep problems and difficulty falling asleep;
A constant desire to bite something (cheeks, tongue, lips).
Over time, you may see new cracks in the enamel, chipped fillings, or even fragments of teeth breaking off. These are clear signs that it’s time to see your dentist.
How to Treat Bruxism?
To treat bruxism, dentists at Yiannikos Centre for Holistic Dentistry recommend using a night guard (occlusal splint). In our clinic, we make these guards using a biologically compatible material that is completely safe for your health, does not release any chemicals, and is very comfortable to wear. Each guard is custom-made for the patient using a 3D scanner, then printed on a 3D printer.
A night guard helps to:
Reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joint;
Protect your enamel from wear;
Decrease muscle pain;
Prevent increased tooth sensitivity;
Lower the risk of gum inflammation;
Safeguard teeth, crowns, veneers, and dentures from breakage and chipping.
Preventing Bruxism
To prevent bruxism, specialists advise maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding bad habits, practicing yoga, and doing facial relaxation massages.
Additionally, visiting your dentist once or twice a year for early detection of the condition and prompt treatment can help you recover faster.
If you or your loved ones are struggling with bruxism, the dentists at Yiannikos are always ready to help. Our specialists will conduct a detailed consultation, answer all your questions, and select the optimal treatment just for you.
You can book an appointment online in Nicosia and Limassol—take the first step toward a healthy smile today!
References:
[1] - Zieliński, G.; Pająk, A.; Wójcicki, M. Global Prevalence of Sleep Bruxism and Awake Bruxism in Pediatric and Adult Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13, 4259. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13144259
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