A Common but Damaging Habit
Bruxism — the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep — is remarkably common and can cause significant damage over time, wearing down tooth enamel, fracturing teeth or dental restorations, and straining the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Many people are unaware they grind their teeth until a dentist notices the wear patterns or a partner reports the sound during sleep, making it a frequently underdiagnosed condition.
Understanding the Causes
Sleep bruxism is associated with stress and anxiety, certain sleep disorders including sleep apnea, some medications, and lifestyle factors like caffeine and alcohol use. Awake bruxism, often clenching rather than grinding, tends to correlate more directly with stress and concentration. Because the causes vary, effective management often benefits from identifying and addressing contributing factors rather than only treating the dental symptoms in isolation.
Evidence-Based Management
Custom-fitted nightguards remain the mainstay of protecting teeth from grinding damage, creating a barrier that prevents the destructive tooth-on-tooth contact. Addressing underlying stress through relaxation techniques or counseling, evaluating for sleep apnea when suspected, since treating it can improve bruxism, and reducing stimulants can help address root causes alongside protective devices. Facilities can source dental supplies from our catalog.
