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What is Bruxism?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Bruxism is a medical condition in which the sufferer grinds or clenches his or her teeth unconsciously, often during sleep. It affects many children and adults and can be a serious condition. People with this condition suffer from a number of related dental and medical problems that can worsen over time if the tooth grinding is not corrected. Many people who have it are not aware of their condition, as they only grind their teeth while unconscious. Often, a person who sleeps in the same room as the affected individual is the one who discovers the problem, due to the characteristic sound.

Chronically clenching the jaw can cause pain in the jaw, ears, or face, as well as muscle soreness and headaches. In addition, bruxism can damage the teeth through chipping or erosion. The teeth of a person with this problem can become more sensitive and more prone to cavities as the enamel is worn away. The condition can even affect the sufferer's sleeping partner, as the noise of grinding teeth can be loud enough to prevent him or her from getting a good night's sleep.

A splint may be worn at night to prevent damage to teeth for people with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and bruxism.
A splint may be worn at night to prevent damage to teeth for people with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and bruxism.

Lifestyle may contribute to the development of bruxism, though it is not known to what degree this is true. Excessive alcohol intake, along with poor exercise and sleep habits, are thought to contribute to the condition. Stress may also be a factor, particularly in those whose grinding appears during waking hours. Many cases are due to a misaligned jaw or teeth, however, especially in children. Bruxism can also be a symptom of another disease or a side effect of certain medications.

Individuals who clench their teeth unconsciously suffer from a medical condition known as bruxism.
Individuals who clench their teeth unconsciously suffer from a medical condition known as bruxism.

The most common treatment for bruxism is a mouth guard worn during sleep. This can both prevent damage to the teeth and minimize tooth grinding behavior. Mouth guards may be purchased over the counter or custom fitted. Lifestyle changes, such as consciously relaxing the jaw during the day, managing stress, and making sure to get a full night's sleep, can also be helpful.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon169866

I have one. Just go to the toothpaste aisle of a well-stocked pharmacy (also toothbrushes and floss and mouthwash and all the other mouth-stuff will likely be in this aisle) and there they usually have several varieties of bruxism appliance. The one I like is the one that you boil for a minute so it softens, then you put it in your mouth and shape it to your own teeth. But there are several kinds.

lokilove

The article says a guard can be bought over the counter. I'm assuming it isn't the same type of guard that is used in sports, so I need to look for one at a pharmacy NOT a sports store right?

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    • A splint may be worn at night to prevent damage to teeth for people with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and bruxism.
      By: conejota
      A splint may be worn at night to prevent damage to teeth for people with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and bruxism.
    • Individuals who clench their teeth unconsciously suffer from a medical condition known as bruxism.
      By: Nomad_Soul
      Individuals who clench their teeth unconsciously suffer from a medical condition known as bruxism.
    • Abnormal jaw growth may cause children to grind their teeth.
      By: dimedrol68
      Abnormal jaw growth may cause children to grind their teeth.
    • In some cases, medication or treatment may be necessary to allow both partners to attain restful sleep.
      By: Photographee.eu
      In some cases, medication or treatment may be necessary to allow both partners to attain restful sleep.
    • Teeth grinding can wear away the enamel of teeth.
      By: Jeremys78
      Teeth grinding can wear away the enamel of teeth.
    • Certain medical conditions can create an urge to grind teeth while asleep.
      By: Alex Bramwell
      Certain medical conditions can create an urge to grind teeth while asleep.
    • Those who grind their teeth may become sensitive to cold foods.
      By: Dan Race
      Those who grind their teeth may become sensitive to cold foods.