{"id":2724,"date":"2026-06-15T09:23:22","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T09:23:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.marksite.es\/clinicaortigosa\/treatments\/bruxismo-atm-y-oclusion\/"},"modified":"2026-09-29T11:26:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T11:26:09","slug":"bruxism-tmj-and-occlusion","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/clinicaortigosa.com\/en\/treatments\/bruxism-tmj-and-occlusion\/","title":{"rendered":"Bruxism, TMJ, and Occlusion"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Treatments<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Bruxism, TMJ, and Occlusion<\/h1>\n

We restore the balance and health of your smile.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Bruxism, TMJ, and occlusion<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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What is bruxism?<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

Bruxism<\/strong> is an involuntary and parafunctional<\/strong> masticatory muscle activity characterized by the clenching or grinding of the teeth<\/strong>, which can occur during sleep (sleep bruxism<\/strong>) or while awake (awake bruxism<\/strong>). Currently, bruxism is considered a multifactorial condition with dental, musculoskeletal, neurological, and psychosocial implications.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Types of Bruxism<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

We distinguish two main variants; both forms can coexist in the same individual and have similar clinical repercussions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Sleep bruxism<\/h4>

Rhythmic (phasic) or sustained (tonic) activity of the masticatory muscles during sleep, lacking functional purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Awake bruxism<\/h4>

Manifests during consciousness as clenching, sustained tooth contact, or jaw tension, generally associated with psychological factors such as stress or anxiety.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Diagnostics<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

The diagnosis of bruxism is based on a combination of clinical data, a detailed medical history, and, in specific cases, complementary diagnostic studies.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Possible bruxism<\/h4>

Based on self-reporting by the patient (subjective symptoms).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Probable bruxism<\/h4>

Confirmed through clinical examination (tooth wear, muscle hypertrophy, attrition facets, dental sensitivity, masticatory pain, etc.).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Confirmed bruxism<\/h4>

Diagnosis performed via polysomnography along with electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity recording.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Causes of Bruxism<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

Bruxism does not have a single cause, but is rather the result of an interaction among multiple factors:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Neurological<\/h4>

Alterations in central motor control mechanisms and REM sleep modulation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Psychological<\/h4>

Stress, anxiety, mood disorders, and personality traits.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Genetic<\/h4>

Studies have demonstrated a hereditary predisposition in certain cases.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Pharmacological<\/h4>

The use of certain medications, such as SSRI antidepressants, can be associated with increased bruxism.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Occlusal<\/h4>

Although currently considered a secondary factor, occlusal interferences may contribute in specific cases.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Symptoms of Bruxism<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

Signs and symptoms associated with bruxism include:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Pathological tooth wear (attrition)<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n
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Dental hypersensitivity<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n
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Muscle pain in masseter and temporal muscles<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n
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Tension headaches<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n
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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n
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Fractures of teeth or restorations<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
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Treatment Options<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

There is no single definitive cure for bruxism, but management focuses on reducing triggering factors, protecting dental structures, and relieving musculoskeletal symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Occlusal splints (nightguards)<\/h4>

Removable devices, generally made of rigid acrylic, that redistribute occlusal forces, protect enamel, and reduce muscle activity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Psychological or behavioral therapy<\/h4>

Stress management techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and relaxation training to address awake bruxism and anxiety triggers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Physical therapy and myofunctional therapy<\/h4>

Targeted massage, jaw exercises, and myofascial release techniques<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Pharmacotherapy<\/h4>

Short-term use of muscle relaxants or other prescribed medications under clinical supervision for severe acute episodes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)<\/h4>

Indicated when bruxism coexists with snoring and\/or sleep apnea.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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FAQ\u00b4S<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bruxism<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
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What are the main symptoms of bruxism?<\/h5>

Unusual tooth wear, facial pain, dental sensitivity, jaw muscle fatigue upon waking, and frequent headaches.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

Is it always necessary to wear a nightguard?<\/h5>

Not always, but nightguards are the standard clinical treatment to protect enamel and relax the musculature during sleep.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

Can stress cause bruxism?<\/h5>

Yes, emotional stress is one of the primary triggering factors, although occlusal and anatomical factors can also play a role.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

What damage can occur if it is left untreated?<\/h5>

In the long term, untreated bruxism can lead to tooth fractures, gum recession, and irreversible damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

Is botulinum toxin (Botox) effective for bruxism?<\/h5>

Es una opci\u00f3n complementaria muy eficaz para reducir la hiperactividad de los m\u00fasculos maseteros y aliviar el dolor asociado.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2709,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2724","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/clinicaortigosa.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2724","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/clinicaortigosa.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/clinicaortigosa.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaortigosa.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaortigosa.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2724"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaortigosa.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2724\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2733,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaortigosa.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2724\/revisions\/2733"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaortigosa.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/clinicaortigosa.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2724"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}