Do you wake up with jaw pain or a headache? Does your partner hear you grinding your teeth at night? You may have bruxism. It's much more common than it seems and, if untreated, it can wear down your teeth and cause jaw pain. Here's how to recognise it and how we treat it at our Gavà clinic.
What is bruxism?
It's the involuntary habit of clenching or grinding the teeth. It usually happens during sleep (night-time bruxism), although it can also happen during the day, especially when concentrating or under tension. Many people don't know they have it until the dentist spots the wear on their teeth.
Why does it happen?
- Stress and anxiety: the most common cause.
- Sleep disorders, such as apnoea or snoring.
- A bite that doesn't fit properly.
- Habits: caffeine, alcohol or tobacco can make it worse.
- Some medications.
Symptoms of bruxism
- Enamel wear: flatter, shorter teeth or small fractures.
- Pain in the jaw, neck or head, especially on waking.
- Tooth sensitivity to cold or heat.
- Clicking or difficulty opening the mouth.
- Disturbed sleep.
- Fillings, crowns or veneers that break easily.
Treatment: the night guard
The most effective way to protect the teeth is a night guard (occlusal splint): a custom-made clear resin appliance worn at night on the upper or lower arch. It prevents direct contact between the teeth, spreads the forces and helps relax the jaw muscles.
At Somriures Dental we design your night guard digitally from a scan of your mouth, so it fits precisely and is comfortable from the first night. Pharmacy guards aren't adapted to your mouth and can even make the problem worse.
Other treatments that help
- Botox in the masseters: relaxes the jaw muscles and relieves tension and pain. It's a treatment we also offer at the clinic.
- Repairing wear: with resin, veneers or crowns, once the bruxism is under control.
- Managing stress: relaxation techniques, exercise and good sleep habits.
- Checking the bite: in some cases, orthodontics helps the teeth fit together better.
Day-to-day tips
- During the day, notice whether you clench: at rest, your teeth shouldn't touch.
- Cut down on coffee and alcohol, especially in the afternoon and evening.
- Apply gentle heat to your jaw if it feels tight.
- Don't chew gum or objects (pens, nails) continuously.
Frequently asked questions
Can bruxism be cured?
Rather than cured, it's controlled. The night guard protects the teeth and, together with stress management, greatly reduces symptoms.
Can children have bruxism?
Yes, and it's quite common. It often disappears with age, but it's worth checking to rule out bite or breathing problems.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends how hard you clench. We check it at your regular visits and adjust or replace it when needed.
If you think you have bruxism, come to the free first visit and we'll assess it. You may also be interested in botox treatment for bruxism.
