Bruxism Causes: Is It Not Just a Simple Habit, but Due to Malocclusion?

Bruxism causes,

Is it not just a simple habit, but due to malocclusion?

Hello.

I’m Dr. Oh Su-hwan, a specialist in orthodontics who has been taking care of patients’ oral health for 18 years.

Do you have those mornings when you wake up with jaw pain because of bruxism?

You probably feel even more tired instead of refreshed because you’ve been clenching your jaw all night.

Your jaw muscles may feel sore and heavy, and in severe cases, it can even be accompanied by headaches.

"I wake up and still don’t feel refreshed; instead, my jaw feels sore and painful, making it hard to start the day."

"I know I unconsciously clench my teeth at night, but I don’t know how to fix it, and it’s frustrating."

Today, for these people, I’ll explain what the causes of bruxism are,

and what problems it can cause if left untreated.

I’ll also briefly go over treatment methods, so please stay focused for a moment.

Does bruxism also have a cause?

Bruxism causes

The exact cause of bruxism has not been clearly identified.

However, it is believed to have various causes, such as stress or anxiety, oral structural problems, sleep posture, and psychological factors.

As a dentist, the reason I focus on oral structural problems among the many causes of bruxism is that

anatomical abnormalities directly affect occlusion (= chewing function) and the temporomandibular joint,

which can trigger or worsen bruxism.

In particular, when malocclusion is present,

the upper and lower teeth do not naturally fit together, which can cause discomfort.

As people try to unconsciously relieve that discomfort while sleeping, bruxism may appear.

Furthermore, if the malocclusion is severe,

excessive pressure can be placed on certain teeth and strain the temporomandibular joint,

which can cause the jaw muscles to tense up and make bruxism even more severe.

And in normal occlusion, the jaw moves naturally,

but with malocclusion, it tends to move in only a specific direction.

During this process, continuous friction occurs and bruxism may worsen.

The problem is that this bruxism can have several negative effects on the teeth.

It is said that clenching and grinding can put 2–10 times more force on the teeth than chewing food does.

That can damage the enamel on the tooth surface and lead to tooth cracks or even tooth fractures.

In severe cases, I have seen patients whose teeth were worn down by about two-thirds.

Because force is continuously applied to the teeth, the tooth roots become weakened, and as a result, the jawbone can also weaken.

The jaw muscles can remain constantly tense, causing headaches or facial pain.

Since bruxism affects not only overall oral health but also quality of life,

if you are concerned about bruxism, it is important to clearly identify the causes and

find the right treatment accordingly.

Bruxism caused by malocclusion, How can it be resolved?

Bruxism causes

If bruxism is related to malocclusion,

it is important not just to relieve the symptoms, but to address the root cause.

Correcting the alignment of the upper and lower teeth through orthodontic treatment

can be one effective solution.

However, for those who feel burdened by the time and cost involved in orthodontic treatment,

the following treatment methods may also be worth considering.

(1) Custom bruxism prevention device

Using a bruxism prevention device while sleeping can also help protect the teeth.

However, if you use a device that does not fit your teeth, unwanted tooth movement may occur.

Therefore, having a device custom-made at a dental clinic may be the safer choice.

(2) Botox treatment

Since grinding teeth can also be seen as "excessive jaw muscle strength,"

Botox injections into the masseter muscle may also be an option.

Botox reduces muscle volume and weakens muscle strength, helping to relieve bruxism.

However, the effect is not permanent, so repeat treatments are needed at regular intervals.

(3) Improving lifestyle habits

Bruxism is also closely related to stress.

Reducing stress through meditation or relaxation therapy can help alleviate bruxism symptoms.

In addition, smoking and excessive drinking are also factors that worsen bruxism.

In particular, some studies have shown that nicotine can increase the likelihood of bruxism by up to five times.

So it is best to quit smoking and drinking as much as possible.

Finally, caffeine can stimulate the nervous system and trigger bruxism.

Reducing coffee, tea, energy drinks, and similar beverages may also help reduce bruxism.

Bruxism is not just a simple habit; it is a problem that can affect dental health and overall health.

So before persistent bruxism causes

tooth wear or temporomandibular joint disorders, I hope you will visit a nearby dental clinic for a consultation.

This has been Dr. Oh of Smile D Dental Clinic. Thank you.