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Bruxism is the technical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching that abrades teeth and may cause facial pain. People who grind teeth and clench jaw, called bruxers, unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as in their sleep.

Many children and adults grind their teeth unknowingly during their sleep. It can result in chipped, broken and reduced teeth, loose teeth and receding gums.

The force of clenching causes stressful pressure on the muscles, tissues and jaw. Jaw disorders, jaw pain, soreness, headaches, earaches, damaged teeth and other problems can result from bruxism.

Bruxism can even affect one’s sleeping partner, as the noise can be loud enough to prevent him or her from getting a good night’s sleep.

Nobody knows exactly why some people have bruxism and others don’t. It is most common in small children. And this may have some basis in the tooth losing process.

Bruxism Symptoms

If you develop facial pain, fatigue or other problems, bruxism treatment may be needed. Symptoms of bruxism include:

• Anxiety, stress, and tension
• Dull headaches
• Sore and tired facial muscles
• Earaches
• Sensitive teeth
• Locking, popping and clicking of the jaw
• Depression
• Insomnia

Bruxism Treatment

While the symptoms of bruxism in adults can be treated, the condition usually cannot be cured.

The most common treatment for bruxism is a mouth guard worn during sleep. This treatment can both prevent damage to the teeth and minimize tooth grinding behavior.

Your dentist may suggest several types of bruxism treatment:

• Wearing a mouthguard while sleeping to save from bruxism — Custom-made by your dentist mouthguard. While a mouthguard is a good way to manage bruxism, it is not a cure.
• Finding ways to relax to treat bruxism — Because everyday stress seems to be a major cause of bruxism, anything that reduces stress can treat bruxism. Also, applying a warm, wet washcloth to the side of your face can help relax muscles sore from clenching.
• Correcting teeth with fillings, crowns or orthodontics — An abnormal bite, one in which teeth do not fit well together, should be corrected.

It’s important to note that the difference between bruxers and non-bruxers is one of degree, not kind. Most people probably grind and clench their teeth now and then, but such behavior does not a bruxer make.