Causes of Bruxism

Bruxism can have a variety of causes. Physicians and dentists think that each patient may have a different cause that triggers bruxism. These are some of the possible causes:

i. Anxiety, stress or tension

ii. Suppressed anger or frustration

iii. Aggressive, competitive or hyperactive personality type

iv. Abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth (malocclusion)

v. Sleep prolems

                                                                    vi. Side effects of medications (antidepressants) 

Anna Lee, D.D.S.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition that people clench their teeth during the day time or grind their teeth at night. 

Clenching occurs when the upper and lower teeth are held tightly together. Grinding occurs when upper and lower teeth slide back and forth over each other. 

Many people clench and grind their teeth from time to time and do not have any problems. 

Occasionally bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding) does not usually cause harm, but when the condition occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise.