Bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding, is a condition in which the jaw unconsciously clenches together, causing you to grind your teeth. This can happen regardless of whether you’re asleep or awake and is linked to anxiety and stress. If not treated, it can lead to various problems including jaw and cheek pain, earache, headaches, and dental issues such as chipped teeth. Treatments for this condition typically involve relaxing the muscles around this area with Botulinum Toxin, and these are very effective. Of course, understanding the root cause of the problem should also be a goal.
Causes of teeth grinding
It’s not always clear what causes people to grind their teeth.
It’s often linked to:
- stress and anxiety – this is the most common cause of teeth grinding
- sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnoea
- taking certain medicines, including a type of antidepressant known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- smoking, drinking lots of alcohol and caffeine, and taking drugs like ecstasy and cocaine
Teeth grinding is common in children and teenagers, particularly during sleep. It often stops when they reach adulthood and their adult teeth have come through.
Our practitioners may be able to identify the cause and help determine the best solution for you. Book in today!
