Bruxism: Why It Matters and What You Can Do

If someone has ever told you that you clench or grind your teeth, please understand—it isn’t a harmless habit. Excessive clenching or grinding (especially during sleep) can have serious consequences for your teeth.

When you exert excessive force on a tooth—especially one that already has a large filling, a crown, or has undergone root canal treatment—it can compromise the health of that tooth. In fact, the constant pressure can lead to the tooth “dying” spontaneously. When this happens, the first signs may be an abscess, often presenting as a lump near the tooth, sometimes with bleeding or pus.

If you have a history of clenching or bruxism, it’s important to consider protective measures such as:

• A hard acrylic night splint, like a Michigan splint, worn at night to reduce the intensity of forces on your teeth while you sleep. During sleep, you can unknowingly exert four to five times more force than when you’re awake.

• Stress management and good sleep hygiene—these are key contributors to reducing bruxism.

• Addressing sleep issues, such as snoring or sleep apnoea, which may also play a role.

• Complementary therapies like acupuncture, physiotherapy, or aromatherapy may offer additional support.

• Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into the masseter muscles can help reduce the biting strength by relaxing the muscles involved in clenching. When used for functional (not aesthetic) reasons, these injections are typically repeated once every 9 to 12 months.

Lastly, always bring your splint with you during dental visits. How your splint wears over time offers valuable insights into your bite forces and helps guide future management.