Learn More About  Bruxism 

Bruxism is the condition of grinding one’s teeth involuntarily — usually during sleep. It can lead to several problems, including tooth wear, headaches, jaw pain, and more. Without management, bruxism can cause serious long-term damage to the teeth and jawbone. That’s why it’s recommended to seek treatment if you think you might have bruxism.

Book An Appointment
bruxism hero

Don't Let Bruxism Ruin Your Smile — Get Help Today!

Bruxism is a condition characterised by the grinding or clenching of teeth. It can occur during the day (awake bruxism) or night (sleep bruxism) and is often related to stress or anxiety. Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related disorder and is usually associated with other sleep problems such as snoring and sleep apnoea.

Bruxism can cause damage to your teeth, dental restorations, or jaw. It can also lead to headaches, facial pain, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. If you think you may be suffering from bruxism, please see your dentist for an evaluation.

AP Dental can help you identify the signs and symptoms of bruxism and develop a treatment plan to address the condition’s underlying causes. We offer treatments for bruxism, including night guards and dental crowns. The dentists at AP Dental are dedicated to helping our patients manage bruxism, and we are committed to providing high-quality oral health care. If you think you have bruxism, don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can help you prevent any further damage.
Book An Appointment

Common Causes of Bruxism 

  • Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common condition that affects both children and adults. While it may occur occasionally and not cause any long-term damage, bruxism can be a chronic problem that leads to many dental problems. The actual cause of bruxism is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors.

  • Stress and anxiety are common triggers, and sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnoea may also contribute. In addition, taking certain medicines, including a type of antidepressant known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also lead to bruxism. And finally, lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking lots of alcohol and caffeine, and taking recreational drugs can increase the risk of developing bruxism.

Dental Services that Can Address Bruxism 

custom mouthguards

Custom Mouthguards

Custom mouthguards are individually designed to fit your mouth and are made of thermoplastic polymer, a durable yet flexible material that can protect your teeth from grinding damage. Since they're made specifically for you, custom mouthguards can also help improve your breathing.

View More
night guards

Night Guards

Night guards are an excellent way to protect your teeth from the damage caused by clenching and grinding, as they cushion your teeth and prevent them from grinding together. They are made from comfortable materials that allow you to sleep without feeling bulky.

View More
bruxism treatment

Bruxism Treatment

Your dentist can assess the structure of your jaw to see if any problems could be contributing to your bruxism and work in conjunction with other dental and medical professionals such as a myotherapist. Myotherapy is a kind of massage therapy that focuses on the muscles and joints of

View More
missing crowns and fillings

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are caps placed on top of teeth damaged by bruxism. They help protect teeth from further damage and can also help strengthen teeth that may already be broken.

View More

Frequently Asked Questions about Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition that involves grinding or clenching your teeth. It can occur during the day or at night, and it may happen often or only occasionally. Many people with bruxism are unaware of it until they develop complications, such as jaw muscle pain or tooth damage. If you are concerned that you may be grinding your teeth at night, look for these signs and symptoms:    

  • Loud grinding or gnashing of teeth
  • Teeth that are fractured, chipped, or loose
  • Wearing away of the enamel, exposing deeper layers of the teeth
  • Teeth sensitivity or pain
  • Tense jaw muscles
  • A locked jaw
  • Jaw, neck, face, or shoulder pain
  • Earaches
  • Headaches
  • Disruption of sleep

If you think you have bruxism, please get in touch with us. The dentists at AP Dental can examine your mouth for signs of tooth damage and recommend treatments to help protect your teeth from further damage.

While bruxism can be caused by stress or anxiety, it can also result from an underlying medical condition. If you think you may be suffering from bruxism, there are a few things you can do at home to address the problem:     

  • One option is to try meditation or relaxation exercises. They can help reduce stress and prevent clenching or grinding of the teeth.

  • Another option is to perform tongue and jaw muscle exercises. These exercises can help to improve muscle function and reduce bruxism symptoms.

  • You can adjust your sleeping position or pillow for additional head and neck support. It can help to alleviate pain and prevent further damage to the teeth and jaw.

  • You can use an ice pack or a hot compress to relieve pain.
In many cases, bruxism is not a serious problem and goes away on its own. However, if the problem is severe, bruxism can cause headaches, jaw pain, and damage to your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may want to talk to your dentist about treatment options. There are a number of ways to treat bruxism, and the most suitable option for you will depend on the severity of your condition. If bruxism interferes with your daily life, it’s important to get treatment to avoid long-term complications.
Several risk factors have been associated with bruxism in children, including psychological factors, family history, and environmental triggers. According to a 2018 study, risk factors related to bruxism include having a family history of bruxism, mixed dentition (baby teeth and adult teeth), peer problems, and mental health problems. The same study also observed that male children are more likely to suffer from bruxism. Additionally, children with a lot of responsibility or those exposed to secondhand smoke may be more likely to develop the condition. If your child has any of these risk factors, it is important to monitor their sleep habits and see a dentist if you notice any signs of bruxism. Early diagnosis and treatment of bruxism can help prevent long-term damage to the teeth and jaws.
Most kids outgrow bruxism without treatment, and many adults don’t grind or clench their teeth severely enough to require treatment. In severe or chronic cases, however, it is recommended that you see a dentist for evaluation. A comprehensive evaluation by a dentist can assess areas of tenderness and muscle fatigue, as well as evaluate any damage to your teeth. They can then recommend the most appropriate treatment. In some cases, therapy may be recommended to help reduce the severity of bruxism. If bruxism is negatively impacting your quality of life, don’t wait for it to go away on its own — seek dental help today.

Get a Smile that Stands Out

At AP Dental, we are proud to offer a wide range of dental services to meet the needs of our patients. From professional cleanings and dental fillings to more complex procedures, we are here to help you maintain a brighter, healthier smile. Book your appointment today and see the difference our team can make.

Book An Appointment