What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding, clenching or gnashing of the teeth and it is a common condition that can occur during the day or while you sleep. Many people don’t realise they have it until symptoms begin to affect their comfort, sleep or dental health.
Whilst common symptoms such as jaw tightness or pain, tooth wear and chipping can easily be linked to bruxism, other symptoms such as headaches, disturbed sleep, neck or shoulder tension may be misdiagnosed.
What causes bruxism?
Often more than one factor is involved in bruxism and here are the possible causes:
Stress and anxiety – many people clench their jaw unconsciously during stressful periods
Sleep-related factors – obstructive sleep apnoea or disrupted sleep patterns can increase the likelihood of nighttime grinding
Bite or teeth alignment issues
Lifestyle factors – caffeine, alcohol and stimulants can heighten muscle activity and worsen symptoms
Medications – some may have side effects that increase risk of bruxism
What are the treatment options?
Behavioural and lifestyle approaches to reduce muscle tension
Stress reduction techniques
Mindfulness or relaxation exercises
Improve sleep hygiene
Dental treatments don’t stop the clenching but they help prevent tooth damage and reduced strain
Custom night guards or splints to protect teeth from grinding
Bite adjustment for alignment issues
Prescription masseter injections
Depending on your medical suitability, S4 prescription products can be injected into the jaw muscles (masseters) to relax the overactivity and shrink them over time
If you would like to find out more about the effectiveness and long-term benefits of masseter treatment for bruxism, please book a consultation with Dr Zhixin Ning.
