What is Bruxism?
11.02.2026

Grinding and clenching that occur due to the activity of the chewing muscles throughout the day or only at night are scientifically defined as bruxism. This condition is commonly known among people as teeth grinding.

Bruxism is a psychologically driven habit. The patient tries to release negative energy caused by inner tension by clenching or grinding their teeth. Bruxism is a harmful habit. It can cause pain in the jaw joint, jaw, head, neck muscles, teeth, ears, skull, and shoulders, and may also lead to deformation of tissues.

In order to minimize damage to the jaw joint caused by this condition, protective appliances called night guards are made, and patients are asked to wear them while sleeping. Although this method provides sufficient treatment for some individuals, it may not be effective for others. With a night guard, damage to the jaw joint, head and neck muscles, and ears is attempted to be prevented, aiming to relieve the patient from pain complaints. Over time, deformation in the jaw joint may increase, leading to jaw locking, clicking sounds, inability to open the mouth, or jaw dislocation. Bruxism may be more common in large cities such as Denizli due to stress.

Bruxism is mostly treated with psychological therapy. Today, regular practice of yoga and meditation is defined as supportive methods to reduce inner tension in bruxism. Different treatment methods can also be used for bruxism. Bruxism is no longer considered an unsolvable problem.

Factors Causing the Condition;
Bruxism has 6 different causes. These are:

1. Morphological Factors

Anatomical disorders in the jaw and facial region, misaligned teeth, and improper dental treatments that are not compatible with the opposing jaw can cause bruxism.

2. Psychosocial Factors

Anxiety disorders, stress or tension, suppressed anger, aggression, or a hyperactive personality type can lead to bruxism.

3. Neurological Factors

Brain trauma and certain neurological disorders may cause bruxism.

4. Sleep-Related Factors

Bruxism may occur due to tension during sleep or during light stages of sleep. The frequency of bruxism is higher in individuals with sleep apnea syndrome, and it may occur as a result of sleep disorders.

5. Central Nervous System Disorders

Bruxism may occur as a complication of Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease.

6. Systemic Factors

Intestinal parasites, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, and endocrine disorders are among the causes of bruxism.

In Denizli and surrounding areas, bruxism most commonly arises from psychosocial factors. In large cities such as Istanbul, bruxism generally occurs due to these factors.

How Is Bruxism Treated?

Bruxism treatment should be performed by physicians who are specialists in temporomandibular joint disorders and experts in head and neck pain. In studies where teeth clenching and grinding are examined separately, it has been observed that bruxism can occur even without grinding. It has been stated that this condition is more common in women than in men. The prevalence of bruxism in individuals with temporomandibular joint disorders is reported to be between 26% and 66%.

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Tülay AKKOL

Chief Dentist

Tülay AKKOL

Chief Dentist and Tülay Akkol Dental founder Tülay Akkol shares valuable insights on dental health and care, offering practical tips for everyday life. Her articles also highlight the latest innovations and developments in dentistry, helping readers stay informed about the industry's advancements.

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