Bruxism is an increasingly common health problem that can lead to many dental and neurological complications. It is the involuntary grinding of teeth or clenching of the jaws, which often occurs at night, without the person affected being aware of it. Early diagnosis and treatment of bruxism are crucial to avoid permanent damage.
Bruxism is a disorder of the masticatory system involving excessive, uncontrolled, and often unconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth. It can occur both during the day and at night (nighttime teeth grinding is most common).
The symptoms of bruxism are often downplayed, and their causes are frequently sought elsewhere. However, a proper diagnosis can bring quick relief.
The causes of teeth grinding can be complex and vary from patient to patient. The most commonly cited causes are:
Bruxism is a problem that often worsens at night when a person has no control over their facial muscles. Teeth grinding at night can also be the result of an incorrect relationship between the upper and lower dental arches.
Untreated bruxism can lead to serious health and aesthetic consequences:
In extreme cases, recurrent inflammation may even occur, leading to tooth loss or permanent changes in the appearance and shape of the face.
Effective treatment of teeth grinding requires an individual approach and often combines several therapeutic methods which, when used together, help to alleviate excessive activity of the muscles that clench the jaw. Depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms, your doctor or dentist may suggest:
Botulinum toxin is used in both aesthetic and therapeutic medicine, from smoothing and reducing wrinkles to treating migraines, bruxism or hyperhidrosis.