Bruxism and Tooth Wear in Sant Just Desvern
Protect your teeth, your muscles and your smile
Preventing wear and tear
Many people clench or grind their teeth without realising it. In some cases, this happens whilst sleeping, and in others during everyday activities such as working, driving or concentrating at a computer. Although it may seem like a harmless habit, over time it can lead to progressive tooth wear, muscle discomfort, headaches and even problems with the jaw joint.
Bruxism is one of the most common conditions in dentistry and, at the same time, one of the most underdiagnosed. Many patients live with its consequences for years before discovering the real cause of their symptoms. At VARCHI Dental Clinic, we take a holistic approach to bruxism. Our aim is not merely to protect the teeth, but to identify the causes, minimise the effects and preserve the patient’s long-term oral and functional health.
Every case is different. Some people experience mild wear that causes hardly any discomfort, whilst others develop tooth fractures, severe sensitivity or significant joint problems. For this reason, an individualised diagnosis is essential for devising the most appropriate treatment.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is an involuntary behaviour characterised by clenching or grinding of the teeth. It can occur both during the day and at night, although nocturnal bruxism is usually the most difficult to detect because it occurs whilst the patient is asleep.
When this activity is carried out repeatedly, the teeth and the structures surrounding them are subjected to forces far greater than those normally experienced during chewing.
Over time, these forces can lead to tooth wear, fractures, muscle strain and problems with the temporomandibular joint.
We now know that bruxism is a complex phenomenon involving multiple factors, so there is no single cause responsible for all cases.
Why does bruxism occur?
For many years, it was thought that bruxism was caused exclusively by bite problems. However, we now know that its causes are usually multifactorial.
Stress and anxiety are among the most commonly associated factors. Situations involving emotional tension can lead to an increase in involuntary muscle activity during sleep or when concentrating.
There are also factors relating to sleep, certain lifestyle habits and individual characteristics that may influence its onset. In some patients, bruxism occurs mainly at night.
In other cases, the problem arises during the day as a result of the unconscious habit of clenching the teeth for long periods of time. Treatment must therefore be tailored to each person’s specific circumstances.
Solutions
Treatment of bruxism
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, the extent of tooth wear and each patient’s individual circumstances. Our aim is to minimise the effects of bruxism, protect the teeth and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Bite splint
A bite splint is one of the most commonly used treatments for protecting the teeth from the forces generated during bruxism. It is a custom-made device that is usually worn whilst sleeping.
Its main function is to reduce tooth wear, protect dental restorations and alleviate strain on muscles and joints. It is important to note that the mouthguard does not eliminate bruxism, but it does help to significantly minimise its effects.
Monitoring of associated factors
For many patients, it is also beneficial to identify and manage factors relating to stress, muscle habits or certain behaviours that contribute to teeth clenching.
Education and raising awareness about certain daily habits are an important part of the treatment.
Restoration of tooth wear
When wear and tear has caused a significant loss of tooth structure, it may be necessary to restore the teeth to regain their function, appearance and protection.
These rehabilitation programmes are always planned on a case-by-case basis, according to each patient’s needs.
What happens if bruxism is left untreated?
Bruxism does not usually go away on its own. When excessive forces act on the teeth and joints over a period of years, the consequences can build up gradually. Tooth wear can increase to the point where it seriously compromises the structure of the teeth.
Fractures, tooth sensitivity and functional problems may become increasingly common. Furthermore, muscle and joint strain can significantly affect a patient’s day-to-day wellbeing. Early detection therefore enables action to be taken before irreversible damage occurs.
Instructions
How does bruxism affect the teeth?
Bruxism can cause various changes to the teeth as it progresses.
The most common symptoms of bruxism
Tooth wear is just one of the possible symptoms. Many patients initially seek treatment for muscle or joint discomfort without realising that the cause is linked to bruxism.
Among the most common symptoms are a feeling of jaw tension upon waking, particularly in the cheeks or around the jaw. Morning headaches are also common, particularly in the temples.
Some people notice a clicking sound in their joints when opening or closing their mouths, whilst others experience muscle fatigue or difficulty performing certain jaw movements.
Tooth sensitivity, broken fillings or accelerated tooth wear can also be tell-tale signs.
Protocol
How do we diagnose bruxism?
Diagnosing bruxism requires an assessment of both the condition of the teeth and the patient’s symptoms and habits. A comprehensive assessment enables us to detect signs of excessive strain and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Dental check-up
We examine the condition of the teeth and look for signs such as wear, fractures, cracks or damage caused by excessive force.
Muscles and joints
We examine the facial muscles and the temporomandibular joint to identify any signs of tension or strain.
Symptoms and habits
We assess daily habits, muscle discomfort, headaches and any potential sleep-related issues.
Signs of wear and tear
In many cases, visible wear on the teeth is one of the main signs that helps us to identify bruxism.
Advantages
Benefits of the treatment
Our aim is to help you maintain a healthy, functional and stable smile for many years to come.
01/
Less wear and tear
The main benefit is that it protects the teeth from wear and fractures.
02/
Less stress
Many patients also experience a significant reduction in muscle tension and the associated discomfort.
03/
Greater protection
Protecting the temporomandibular joint and preserving the natural dental structure are fundamental considerations in the long term.
04/
More prevention
Furthermore, early intervention can help avoid more complex restorative treatments in the future.
05/
Long-term stability
Our aim is to help you maintain a healthy, functional and stable smile for many years to come.
FAQs
How do I know if I have bruxism?
Many people are unaware of this. Tooth wear, morning headaches or jaw discomfort can be warning signs.
Does bruxism always make a noise?
No. Some people clench their teeth without actually grinding them.
Does a mouthguard stop bruxism?
No. Its main function is to protect the teeth and minimise the consequences of the problem.
Can stress make bruxism worse?
Yes. There is often a link between stressful situations and an increase in involuntary muscle activity.
Can bruxism cause teeth to break?
Yes. The forces generated can cause tooth fractures or damage existing restorations.
Can children suffer from bruxism too?
Yes. Although the approach may differ from that for adults, it is a relatively common occurrence during certain stages of growth.
Can tooth wear be reversed?
Lost tooth structure does not regenerate spontaneously, although it can be restored through appropriate treatment.
Is it important to treat the problem even if it doesn’t cause any pain?
Yes. Dental damage often progresses silently before any significant symptoms appear.
Your dental practice
Why choose VARCHI Dental Clinic for the treatment of bruxism?
At VARCHI, we understand that bruxism is not just a dental problem. It is a functional disorder that can affect the teeth, muscles, joints and quality of life.
Aesthetic sensitivity
We approach each case by combining an accurate diagnosis, personalised dental care and ongoing monitoring.
A holistic approach
We aim to preserve your smile, prevent premature wear and tear, and improve your day-to-day comfort.
Long-lasting results
Looking after your teeth now helps to prevent more serious problems and keep them in good condition for many years to come.
Book your appointment at VARCHI
We’ll assess your situation and clearly explain all the options available to help you regain your smile.