Why don’t we treat bruxism – and when do we worry about it
We call “bruxism” teeth grinding or strong clenching of the teeth. This condition occurs at all ages and sometimes worries parents.
It is a common belief that teeth grinding should be treated, or that it is a sign of stress. This is neither 100 % true nor completely false. Here we will explain what causes bruxism, when it does not worry dentists, and when we need to pay special attention to it.
“Bruxism itself is not a pathology,” Dr Manol Ivchev, founder and chief physician of COLDY DENT Functional Atelier explains. – It is a physiological process that serves the full function of the masticatory system and, in a broader sense, the whole body.”
Let’s imagine the movement of any of the human joints. When we flex them, this movement is natural and is not a problem. However, if the joint in question is misaligned, its proper movement and function are impaired and the movement of the joint can lead to wear, pain, deformation, etc.
When can it be harmful?
The same is true with bruxism – it is not the clenching of the teeth itself that is the problem. A problem, however, may arise from its impact if the bite is incorrect or the teeth are misaligned. This leads to “collisions” in the mouth, to severe grinding, pain and wear of the teeth.
That is why the main goal of dental specialists is not to eliminate bruxism, but to align the teeth and jaw correctly. In this way, it will take place naturally, without causing collisions, friction or pain.
“During sleep, when bruxing occurs, it’s as if our brain is trying to “shake out” stress, akin to ancient practices of body shaking to release tension. Just as our brain sends signals to our muscles to move as we sleep, it might also direct our jaw to grind or clench. If the teeth and jaw are properly aligned, this process can occur without significant issues. However, if there are misalignments or structural problems, bruxing can exacerbate these issues, leading to further discomfort or damage,” Dr Ivchev says.
Therefore, the dentist’s role is to understand the causes and action of bruxism and to assess whether it is necessary to work on its consequences. For diagnosis, we use the so-called brux checker – a simple diagnostic device that tracks teeth contact and movement using coloured foil which leaves trails on the teeth as they close or grind during sleep.
This examination shows where and how the teeth come into contact and points out the problems resulting from bruxism. For example, if bruxing is causing excessive wear on certain teeth, adjustments can be made to ensure a more even bite and reduce the risk of further damage. “The key is to create a balanced environment where bruxing can occur naturally without causing undue harm,” the dental specialist explains.
The functional dentistry we practice at COLDY DENT looks at patients holistically – that is why understanding bruxism includes the whole picture: stress management, proper alignment of teeth, and overall health.
Bruxing and children
As we pointed out, bruxing is a normal part of development. Especially in children, it is also the body’s way of adapting to the constant growth and alignment of teeth and jaws. Parents often worry about their child’s bruxing, but in many cases it’s a natural process that helps with the development of their temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and does not require treatment.
However, if bruxism causes pain, stress or significant discomfort, seek professional advice. Our goal as specialists is not to stop bruxism, but to remove obstacles in order to prevent wear, tear and damage to oral structures.