Treatment of bruxism at the dentist - is it possible to stop the grinding of teeth?

What is bruxism - causes and symptoms?

Bruxism is a medical term for involuntary, habitual grinding of teeth and clenching of the jaws. This is a common problem that can occur both during the day and at night (day and night bruxism).

One of the main causes of bruxism is emotional stress and anxiety. People often clench their teeth to reduce tension. Improperly fitted teeth can also lead to bruxism. This problem can also result from orthodontic problems and be a symptom of neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease. The tendency to bruxism can be hereditary.

The most characteristic symptom is an audible gnashing of teeth, often noticed by a partner. Nevertheless, bruxism is not always easily diagnosed. It can give other symptoms that are more difficult to associate with the disease. People with bruxism often experience pain in the jaw, especially when they wake up. The muscles of the lower jaw can be tired and sore due to constant tension. Bruxism can also cause morning headaches, especially in the temple area. Grinding your teeth leads to abrasion of the enamel and, in extreme cases, to cracking and breaking of the teeth, which can cause the teeth to become hypersensitive to hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks.

What does untreated bruxism lead to?

If left untreated, bruxism can lead to a number of serious health problems and negatively affect the quality of life. Here are some of the possible consequences of untreated bruxism:

• Abrasion of enamel — grinding your teeth leads to a gradual abrasion of the enamel, which makes the teeth more prone to caries and hypersensitivity.
• Cracks and fractures Constant tension and pressure can cause cracks and fractures in the teeth, which requires expensive repair procedures such as laces, bridges or implants.
• Wedge-shaped cavities — tooth abrasion in the area of the tooth necks can lead to the formation of wedge-shaped cavities, which are painful and require dental treatment.
• Joint pain Untreated bruxism can lead to chronic pain in the temporomandibular joints, which is known as TMJ disorder.
• Cracking and blocking — joints may crack or click, and in extreme cases, jaw blockage may occur.
• Headaches People with bruxism often suffer from morning headaches, especially in the temple area, caused by tension in the jaw muscles.
• Muscle pain The muscles of the jaw, neck and face can be chronically tired and sore, leading to discomfort and pain.
• Gum recession — constant grinding and clenching of teeth can lead to receding gums, which in turn increases the risk of periodontal disease.
• Periodontal diseases Untreated bruxism can contribute to the development of periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
• Sleep disturbance — nocturnal bruxism can lead to sleep disturbances, both in the person grinding their teeth and in their partner. This can lead to chronic fatigue and concentration problems.
• Changes in the appearance of teeth — abrasion of teeth can lead to changes in their shape and length, which affects the aesthetics of the smile.
• Difficulty eating — Damage to the teeth can lead to difficulty biting and chewing food.

If left untreated, bruxism can lead to a number of serious health problems and a deterioration in the quality of life. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat bruxism as soon as possible to prevent long-term health effects.

Will the dentist recognize bruxism?

Yes, the dentist is able to recognize bruxism. Diagnosis of bruxism is mainly based on clinical examination and patient history. Characteristic signs of enamel wear, cracks and fractures of teeth, hypersensitivity, changes in bite, as well as muscle and joint pain, which is manifested when touching and pressing the muscles of the jaw and temporomandibular joints, can lead the diagnosis precisely to bruxism.

The dentist may recommend wearing a special diagnostic splint at night to see if it reduces the symptoms of bruxism. X-rays can be helpful in assessing the condition of teeth, temporomandibular joints, and jaw bones.

What is best for bruxism?

Treatment for bruxism can be multifaceted and usually involves a combination of different methods to effectively reduce symptoms and prevent further damage to the teeth and temporomandibular joints. Here are the most common treatments for bruxism used in dental offices:

• Night protectors (splints for teeth) — specially fitted protectors worn at night protect the teeth from further abrasion and reduce the tension of the jaw muscles. After heating in hot water, the patient puts them on the teeth to fit their shape. A better fit than standard protectors, but they still may not be as effective as those made by the dentist.
• Relaxation Rails — these splints help relax the jaw muscles and can be worn both at night and during the day. They help maintain proper jaw alignment, which can improve the function of the temporomandibular joints and reduce the complaints of bruxism.
• Customised overlays — performed on the basis of the casting of the patient's teeth by the dentist. They provide the best fit, comfort and effectiveness. They are more expensive than standard and “boil and bite” versions, but offer the best protection against tooth damage and reduction of bruxism symptoms.
• Botulinum toxin injections Injecting botulinum toxin into the jaw muscles can help relax the muscles and reduce the intensity of teeth grinding. The effect can last for several months and requires regular injections.

Treatment for bruxism is individually tailored to the needs of the patient and may include a combination of different methods. It is important to consult a dentist or a specialist doctor who will help to choose the right treatment and monitor its effectiveness. Regular checkups at the dentist are crucial to prevent the long-term health effects of bruxism.

Botulinum toxin injection for bruxism - step by step

The administration of botulinum toxin is one of the treatments for bruxism, which aims to relax the muscles of the lower jaw and reduce the force of the bite. Below we show you step by step how such a procedure takes place:

• Step 1. Preparing for the procedure
• The injection site is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent infection. Although most patients tolerate the procedure without anesthesia, in some cases an anesthetic cream can be used to minimize discomfort.
• Step 2. Administration of Botulinum Toxin
• The doctor precisely determines the places where botulinum toxin will be injected. Typically, these are the points in the masticatory muscles that are most involved in clamping the jaws.
• Step 3. Injection
• Using a thin needle, botulinum toxin is injected directly into the masticatory muscles. The procedure usually involves several injections on both sides of the face, depending on the severity of bruxism.
• Step 4. After the procedure
• The patient is given instructions on how to handle the procedure, which may include avoiding massaging and pressing the injection sites for several hours, avoiding strenuous physical exertion, and abstaining from alcohol for 24 hours.

How long is bruxism treated?

Treatment of bruxism is a complex process and can take different amounts of time depending on the individual needs of the patient and the severity of the problem. There is no unequivocal answer to the question of how long exactly the treatment of bruxism lasts, since this time depends on many factors.

For milder forms of bruxism, the use of mouthguards and lifestyle changes can bring significant improvement in a few weeks to several months. More severe forms of bruxism may require more intensive and long-term treatment, which can last up to several years.

If bruxism is caused by stress, treatment may include behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes. The effectiveness of these methods can be seen within a few months, but maintaining results may require long-term work on stress management.

Orthodontic treatment to improve the bite can last from several months to several years, depending on the degree of complication of the problem. Tooth protectors and relaxation splints, often used as the first line of defense, can provide relief and a reduction in symptoms within a few weeks to several months. Wearing braces or braces on a regular basis may be necessary for an extended period of time to prevent recurrence.

If muscle relaxants or anxiolytics are used, the effects can be felt relatively quickly, but drug treatment is usually not a long-term solution and may require the parallel use of other methods.

The effects of botulinum toxin injections can last for several months, but these treatments must be repeated regularly to maintain the results.

How to restore teeth with bruxism?

Restoration of teeth in patients with bruxism is a complex process that is aimed at restoring the function, aesthetics and integrity of teeth that have been damaged by grinding and clamping.

• Fillings and Restorations
• For minor cavities and abrasions, the dentist may use composite filling materials to rebuild damaged teeth. In case of major damage, ceramic or composite onlays and inlayes can be used to restore the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Lace
• In case of significant damage to the teeth, crowns may be necessary to restore their full functionality and aesthetics. These crowns are fixed on the teeth after their proper preparation.
• Veneers
• These thin porcelain coatings are glued to the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance and mask the marks of abrasion.
• Dental Implants
• If teeth are lost due to bruxism, dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth. Implants are durable and functional, but require proper preparation and healthy bone tissue.
• Botulinum toxin
• The procedure is used to relax the muscles of the lower jaw, which are overactive as a result of bruxism. By reducing muscle tone, botulinum toxin can reduce bite force, which helps protect new dental reconstructions from damage. Botulinum toxin can also reduce pain associated with muscle tension, which improves patient comfort. Regular injections of botulinum toxin can help prevent the recurrence of bruxism, which is especially important after expensive and time-consuming tooth restoration.

Restoration of teeth in patients with bruxism requires a comprehensive approach, including both restoration of damaged teeth and measures to prevent further damage. Botulinum toxin can be an effective complement to treatment, helping to reduce muscle tone and protect new dental reconstructions. It is important that the patient works with the dental team to choose the right treatment methods and ensure long-lasting results.