What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. It's more common than you might think — studies suggest that up to 31% of adults experience some form of bruxism.
Two Types of Bruxism
Awake Bruxism occurs during waking hours and is often associated with stress, concentration, or habit. You might catch yourself clenching during a tense meeting or while focusing on a task.
Sleep Bruxism happens during sleep and is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder. It's involuntary and often goes unnoticed until symptoms appear.
Common Symptoms
- Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
- Headaches, particularly tension-type headaches
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Tired or tight jaw muscles
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint
- Ear pain (without an ear infection)
- Disrupted sleep (for you or your partner)
What Causes Bruxism?
The causes are multifactorial and can include:
- Stress and Anxiety — The most commonly cited trigger
- Sleep Disorders — Sleep apnea is strongly associated with sleep bruxism
- Lifestyle Factors — Caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications
- Malocclusion — Though the relationship is debated in research
- Genetics — Bruxism tends to run in families
Evidence-Based Treatments
Conservative Approaches (First-Line)
- Self-management programs — Education, relaxation techniques, habit reversal
- Stress reduction — Mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy
- Sleep hygiene — Addressing underlying sleep issues
- Physical therapy — Jaw exercises and stretches
Dental Interventions
- Occlusal splints — Protect teeth but may not reduce grinding
- Dental adjustments — Controversial and generally not recommended
Medical Treatments
- Botulinum toxin — Reduces muscle force but not grinding frequency
- Medications — Limited evidence, typically not first-line
The JawSense Approach
We believe in conservative, evidence-based self-management as the foundation of bruxism management. Our app provides structured programs based on the latest NHS guidelines and research-backed exercises.
Remember: If you're experiencing severe symptoms, always consult a healthcare professional.
