What Causes Bruxism?
Teeth Grinding and Bruxism
Chronic and involuntary grinding of the teeth is a common issue in dentistry. In some cases, grinding is the result of an involuntary reaction to stress, anger, or fear. Another term for involuntary grinding of the teeth is bruxism. This habit may occur repeatedly throughout the day or while the patient is sleeping.
While bruxism can occur both when patients are awake or when they are sleeping, people are typically less aware of grinding during sleep. There is an extreme amount of force applied to the teeth when the jaws grind together. As a result, the condition can cause serious issues to the teeth and jaw. Treatment is often needed to help prevent long-term damage.
Types of Bruxism
Teeth grinding which occurs while the patient is asleep is called sleep bruxism. During sleep bruxism, there is movement of the strong masticatory muscles which are used for chewing. Grinding of the teeth which takes place during the day while patients are awake is called waking bruxism. While the physical actions of the condition are similar in nature, they are considered to be separate conditions. Awake bruxism is more common than sleep bruxism.
It can be more challenging for patients to be aware that they are grinding their teeth while they are sleeping. Because of this, sleep bruxism can be challenging to diagnose. When we are sleeping, we are not aware of our bite strength. This can result in clenching the jaw tighter and continuing to grind the teeth. Bruxism can place up to 250 pounds of force on the teeth and jaws.
Prevalence
Patients are often surprised to learn that sleep bruxism is more common in children and younger patients than adults. Because so many patients are unaware of their grinding, especially while sleeping, it is difficult to estimate how many people suffer from bruxism.
Causes
There are various factors which can influence a patient’s risk of having bruxism, so it is challenging to identify a singular cause for the condition. Below is a summary of common causes and risk factors associated with teeth grinding.
- Stress: high levels of stress are perhaps the greatest risk factor for grinding. It is common for patients to clench their teeth in negative or high stress situations. This unfortunately often results in sleep bruxism as well. There is also a connection between higher levels of anxiety and teeth grinding.
- Genetics: Data suggests that there is a genetic component associated with bruxism which can run in families. An estimated 50% of patients with bruxism also have a family member with the condition.
- Poor sleep patterns: Ongoing changes in sleep patterns appear to also be associated with teeth grinding. There have also been proven associations between bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA results in temporary interruptions during sleep caused by lapses in breathing.
- Lifestyle habits: Various other factors are also associated with bruxism. These can include things such as smoking, consuming alcohol or caffeine, depression, and snoring. While the data is limited, there are potential connections between bruxism and these different habits.
- Certain medications: Certain types of medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), amphetamines, and antipsychotics have the potential to increase a patient’s risk of bruxism. Patients should review potential side effects of all medications with their medical provider.
Patients who suspect they are suffering from bruxism should contact the office today to schedule an appointment. The dentist can help determine if you are suffering from the condition and discuss treatment options.