Unintentionally clenching or grinding your teeth is a psychological disorder, known as bruxism. But where does it come from? Here is all the information you need to better understand teeth grinding.

There are two different types of bruxism, related to the period in which the individual grinds their teeth: 

• The first is the so-calledawakening, that is to say during the day when the patient is awake; 
• The second is bruxism nocturnal (or sleep), during sleep. 

Arousal bruxism seems more common, and affects up to one third of the adult population, while its nocturnal counterpart only affects about 13% of adults. Note that the specialist also distinguishes between primary and secondary bruxism, depending on whether it is idiopathic (unrelated to a disease) or pathological.

In itself, bruxism is not necessarily a disorder: it even has some usefulness for the body. One in five people would present this symptom. In addition, the origin of the term “bruxism” would come from the Greek word “brygmos” which means “to chew, to grind your teeth”.

The causes of bruxism are difficult to establish, because everything suggests that they combine many factors, mainly of a psychological nature:

Daily stress

Stress seems to be the number 1 factor in bruxism. The feeling of anxiety, related to work, to relationships, will therefore be one of the possible sources of teeth grinding. People with a competitive mentality also seem to be more prone to bruxism. Grinding your teeth would therefore have a “valve” effect, to free yourself from stress (a bit like others will bite their nails). However, this mechanism can go wrong and cause sleep bruxism.

Neurological and Psychiatric

In some patients, bruxism is linked to a neuronal or psychiatric pathology, which will be the cause of stress. It can also be associated with an “ocd”, a nervous behavioral disorder.

morphologic

If it is not really the cause in relation to stress, patients with a basic particular morphology (offset or misshapen teeth), will experience the effects of bruxism in a more virulent manner.

There are different symptoms of bruxism:

Clenched teeth

This is the “at rest” position of bruxism: clenched teeth, without jaw movement. This tightening therefore does not cause noise and is more discreet, it is most common during arousal bruxism.

Squeaks

The jaw contracts and moves back and forth, resulting in an audible grinding of teeth against each other.

Muscle hypertrophy

Clenching your teeth sometimes with violence can cause muscle pain, in the jaw and even beyond (temples, cheeks).

The deterioration of teeth

By dint of grinding against each other, the teeth wear out. This can lead to greater sensitivity of the patient, especially if the enamel is affected. Not to mention bills, reduction of the level of teeth, and nerve damage.

Annoying noise

The person with bruxism is generally not aware of it themselves, it is first of all those around them who make them point out. Especially in the case of nocturnal bruxism, because if the “bruxism” does not wake up with its teeth grinding noises, his or her partner risks on the other hand being inconvenienced.

Spotting bruxism is not that easy, and depends on the patient’s level of consciousness. However, there are some tools that can make it easier.

Awareness

It is perhaps the main solution: it must first be realized. In fact, many patients are initially in a denial, and refuse to admit their gnashing of teeth. It will therefore be necessary to carry out work on oneself to identify the moments when one performs the gesture, in order to better understand what can trigger it.

Brux checker

The “brux checker” is a tool capable of identifying signs of tooth damage caused by bruxism. It is a small device to be inserted in the mouth, resembling a denture but colored (usually red).

The entourage

If your loved ones tell you that you are grinding your teeth: listen to them. They will indeed be the best able to realize it, because the patient does not realize it.

Different treatments are available to fight or limit bruxism, here are the main ones: 

Stress reduction

If stress is the cause of bruxism, it will be necessary to tackle its various sources. Each individual has his own solution: meditation, relaxation, changes in schedules or even work. Stress is an instrument that can be beneficial when properly catalyzed, it is its excess without means of spending it that causes our body to exude through bruxism. Other stressors, such as tobacco or alcohol, should be avoided.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis can, for receptive patients, prove to be an effective solution to limit unconscious bruxism. The increase in height between the teeth will reduce muscle pain upon awakening.

Psychotherapy

In order to reduce the causes of stress, psychotherapy can also be effective. Note that any other method (relaxation therapy, yoga, etc.) can also help reduce stress.

Protections

The installation of gutters, protections on the teeth, will make it possible to limit the effects of grinding, by protecting the teeth.

Botulinum toxin

For patients with severe muscle pain, the injection of botulinum toxin may reduce the pain.