Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Bru­xism refers to uncon­scious tee­th grin­ding or jaw clen­ching. It often occurs at night during sleep but can also hap­pen during the day.

Cau­ses

Stress and inner ten­si­on are con­side­red the main trig­gers. Other fac­tors include sleep dis­or­ders, mis­a­li­gned tee­th or jaws, cer­tain medi­ca­ti­ons, and alco­hol, caf­feine and nico­ti­ne. Seve­ral cau­ses often act together.

Sym­ptoms

Typi­cal signs are worn tee­th, sen­si­ti­ve tooth necks and jaw pain or hea­da­ches in the mor­ning. The con­stant strain can irri­ta­te the jaw joint. In many peo­p­le the che­wing mus­cle visi­bly enlar­ges, a con­di­ti­on known as mas­se­ter hyper­tro­phy, which makes the lower face look wider.

Tre­at­ment

Den­tists usual­ly fit a night guard to pro­tect the tee­th. Stress reduc­tion and rela­xa­ti­on tech­ni­ques address the cau­se. Botu­li­num toxin injec­ted into the che­wing mus­cle can redu­ce mus­cle strength, ease sym­ptoms and make the face appear slim­mer. The effect lasts seve­ral months and needs to be repea­ted regularly.

Matching tre­at­ment at Swiss Der­ma Cli­nic: Facial Slim­ming (Mas­se­ter) with botu­li­num toxin