Bruxism

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Bruxism is a habit observed in a large number of people occasionally, and in a smaller number, habitually. The mechanism of causation is tension and spasm of the muscles used for mastication. The term also refers to clenching of the teeth, which causes similar problems.

Often, it occurs during sleep; even a short nap may induce it. In a typical case, the canines and incisors are commonly moved against each other laterally, i.e. a side to side action, which erodes tooth enamel, removing the sharp biting surfaces and flattening the edges of the teeth. Sometimes, there is a tendency to grind the molars together, which can be loud enough to wake a sleeping partner.

Over time, bruxing shortens and blunts the teeth being ground, and may lead to pain in the joint of the jaw, the temporomandibular joint, or headache. Teeth hollowed by previous decay (caries) may collapse; the pressure exerted by bruxism on the teeth is extraordinarily high.

The cause, or causes, of bruxism remains unclear. Some dentists believe it is due to a lack of symmetry in the teeth; others, that it reflects anxiety, digestive disturbances or a disturbed sleep pattern.

The effects of the condition may be quite advanced before sufferers are aware they brux. Eroded teeth may be brought to the sufferer's attention during a routine dental examination. If enough enamel is eroded, the softer dentine will be exposed, and erosion will accelerate. This opens the possibility of dental decay and tooth fracture, so early intervention by a dentist makes sense.