Bruxism or Teeth Grinding

Some people, children and adults alike, grind their teeth during sleep. This phenomenon generates rubbing noises that disturb those around them. But what exactly is it, what are the causes, and how can it be remedied?

The origins of bruxism

First of all, it should be made clear that grinding one's teeth is never a voluntary act. This disorder is characterised by a dental clenching without associated swallowing or chewing. The masticatory apparatus remains motionless at that moment. A sound appears, resulting from lateral or back-and-forth rubbing, during which the lower jaw is in movement.

The main triggers of teeth grinding are psychological and emotional factors, as well as stress. This phenomenon can also result from anxiety or a state of anger. The people most affected by bruxism are nervous, competitive and hyperactive individuals.

Moreover, the position of the teeth is among the elements that lead to their grinding. Missing or misaligned teeth can be at the origin.

It should also be known that allergies, ear pain or even a tooth eruption can cause teeth grinding in children. Finally, there are hereditary forms of bruxism.

The consequences of teeth grinding

Affecting nearly 15% of the French population, bruxism consists in clenching the teeth in such a way as to produce noises that disturb those around at night. Beyond the inconvenient noise, it leads to premature wear of the teeth, particularly marked in children. It also tires the muscles of the jaw, can restrict mandibular movements and generate pains close to the ear.

This oral parafunction is at the origin of various unpleasantness, sometimes even disabling. It manifests itself notably through morning headaches, but also through dental, facial and temporomandibular joint pains.

People who suffer from it can be hypersensitive to hot and cold and present frequent aches at the level of the jaw. This parafunction also exposes to a risk of fracture or loosening of the teeth. Grinding teeth can finally disturb the postural balance of the neck and back.

Treatments against teeth grinding

Grinding teeth is a parafunction that must be treated in order to limit its destructive effects on the jaws. The most used tool is the oral orthosis or occlusal splint, a removable resin device that is positioned on an arch during the night. This orthosis protects the teeth even when grinding continues during sleep. The anti-bruxism splint helps prevent excessive wear and avoid dental displacements.

It also relieves the temporomandibular joints as well as the associated musculature.