Bruxism is repetitive jaw-muscle activity associated with clenching and/or grinding during wakefulness or sleep. It may cause no noticeable symptoms in some people, while in others it may be associated with tooth wear, muscle fatigue or discomfort in the jaw area.
For people reporting clenching or grinding in Bodrum, the condition of the teeth and jaw muscles is assessed clinically. The management approach may vary according to the type of concern and possible contributing factors.
Bruxism is considered a form of jaw-muscle activity that may occur during sleep or wakefulness rather than a single disease entity. Sleep bruxism and awake bruxism may involve different mechanisms.
Tooth wear alone does not establish a diagnosis of active bruxism; clinical assessment is required.
Clenching may involve sustained or repetitive contraction of the jaw muscles. Grinding may involve rubbing the teeth together, which can produce sound or wear.
These activities may occur without awareness during the day or during sleep.
Some people may experience morning jaw-muscle fatigue, head or facial discomfort, tooth wear, fractured restorations or jaw-joint symptoms.
Because these findings can also occur with other conditions, they should not automatically be attributed to bruxism without assessment.
Bruxism does not have a single cause. Stress, sleep patterns, certain medications, lifestyle factors and neurological or sleep-related factors may contribute.
When investigation of contributing factors is needed, assessment by medical specialties outside dentistry may also be appropriate.
A night guard is a custom-made appliance that may be used in suitable cases to help protect tooth surfaces from wear and trauma.
A night guard should not be considered a method that removes the cause of bruxism; its purpose and duration of use are determined individually.
Management is based on the individual’s concerns and possible contributing factors. Oral appliances, behavioural awareness, modification of sleep-related habits or assessment by relevant medical specialties may be considered when appropriate.
The same approach is not used for every patient.
The information on this page is provided for general information only and does not replace a clinical examination or diagnosis. Diagnosis and treatment planning may vary from person to person following a clinical examination and any assessments considered necessary.
Treatments