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Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Bruxismus · Skřípání zubů (bruxismus)

What it is

Clenching or grinding the teeth, mostly in sleep and under stress; it wears the teeth and tires the jaw muscles.

Symptoms & signs

  • Worn, flattened or chipped teeth
  • jaw ache on waking
  • headache at the temples
  • clicking jaw
  • a partner hears grinding at night

🚩 Get help if…

  • see a doctor soon Jaw that locks open or closed
  • see a doctor soon Loud snoring with breathing pauses at night
  • see a doctor soon Broken or loose teeth
  • see a doctor soon Jaw pain with headache every morning

Where it strikes

Medical treatment

  • Hard occlusal splint (night guard)
  • treat sleep apnoea if present
  • review SSRIs and stimulants
  • botulinum toxin into the masseter in severe cases

Natural & lifestyle

  • Stress management and sleep hygiene
  • less caffeine and alcohol in the evening
  • daytime awareness: 'lips together, teeth apart'

Emerging & experimental

  • Contingent electrical stimulation devices
  • CBT for sleep bruxism

Alternative, off-label & anecdotal

Approaches used outside the guidelines, with what their supporters report and what testing has found so far.

  • Magnesium — said to relax muscles; small studies anecdotal / traditional
  • Biofeedback — trials disagree mixed evidence
  • Chamomile tea and lavender — anecdotal anecdotal / traditional

ICD codes