Introduction
What is: Bruxism.
Bruxism is an activity of the jaw muscles that can occur during the day or while you sleep. It can cause muscle strain, tooth wear, pain or discomfort in the jaw.
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You may notice yourself clenching at the computer, or someone may have said you grind at night. In consultation we review these signs, your teeth and your discomfort to decide what needs care or protection.
By day and during sleep
Clenching while awake
It can occur when you concentrate, work or drive. Sometimes you notice tension without any noise or tooth contact. Knowing in which situations it happens helps to plan recommendations that fit into your routine.
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Jaw activity during sleep
It may go unnoticed or produce sounds that another person hears. Morning stiffness and observed grinding provide information, but on their own they are not enough to determine what happens during sleep.
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What to tell us about your sleep
​Tell us if you snore often, if someone notices breathing pauses or if you feel very sleepy by day. A medical sleep assessment may be needed. Bruxism neither confirms nor rules out apnoea, and an occlusal splint is not a device for treating it.
FAQs. Bruxism.
Can bruxism occur without grinding?
Yes. Clenching or jaw tension can occur without noise. Pain is not required for it to occur.
Stress is always the cause
No. It may be relevant for some people, especially with certain waking habits, but bruxism does not have the same cause in every case
A splint cures bruxism
A splint can protect the teeth and reduce overload of the chewing system. Its usefulness depends on each case and is reviewed at follow-up appointments.
Childhood bruxism assessed the same way
El crecimiento y la dentición cambian las decisiones. Atiendo a adultos y adolescentes a partir de 16 años. Para niños menores, te recomiendo consultar con un odontopediatra. No uses una férula infantil sin valoración profesional.