{"id":804,"date":"2026-07-10T10:51:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T08:51:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/midsa.es\/?p=804"},"modified":"2026-07-10T17:36:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T15:36:28","slug":"bruxism-treatment-real-options-to-stop-clenching-your-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/tratamiento-del-bruxismo-opciones-reales-para-dejar-de-apretar-los-dientes\/","title":{"rendered":"Bruxism treatment: real options to stop clenching your teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bruxism is much more complex than many people imagine. Although it is often simply associated with &quot;grinding your teeth due to stress,&quot; the reality is that multiple factors can underlie teeth clenching, affecting the overall functioning of the mouth and body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some patients wake up with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>jaw pain,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cervical tension,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tooth wear,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>headaches,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sensation of pressure in the face,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or even fractured teeth,<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">without really being aware that they are squeezing or overloading their chewing system during the day or night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The problem is that many times the treatment is limited to simply providing a splint, without trying to understand what is really causing that muscle and joint overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And although a splint can help protect the teeth, it doesn&#039;t always solve the root of the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many cases, bruxism is the manifestation of a deeper functional imbalance related to biting, breathing, musculature, posture, or certain altered oral patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What exactly is bruxism?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bruxism is excessive activity of the masticatory muscles that causes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>tightening,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>grinding,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>jaw tension,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or muscle overload.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can happen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>during sleep,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>during the day,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or both situations.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some patients clench their teeth almost silently, while others grind intensely during the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over time, this can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>tooth wear,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fractures,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sensitivity,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>muscle pains,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>joint overload,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gum recession,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or more complex functional problems.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can learn more about the treatments of <a href=\"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Functional dentistry and oral rehabilitation at MIDSA<\/a> at our dental clinic in Valencia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why do some people clench their teeth?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no single cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today we know that bruxism usually has a multifactorial origin, where different body systems are involved at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stress and emotional tension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stress can increase muscle activity and promote muscle tightening, especially at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, not all patients with stress develop severe bruxism. That&#039;s why there are often other associated factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Functional alterations of the bite<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the bite is not functioning in a balanced way, some muscles may work harder than necessary trying to stabilize the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In certain cases, the following appear:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>muscle overload,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>mandibular compensations,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or unstable closing patterns.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where a detailed functional study becomes especially important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Breathing, tongue and oral function<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is an increasing relationship between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>mouth breathing,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>poor tongue position,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>impaired swallowing,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>chewing patterns,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and mandibular muscle overload.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A patient who does not breathe correctly or who maintains an improper tongue and jaw position may develop chronic tension in the masticatory system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Body posture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The jaw does not function in isolation from the rest of the body. Cervical and cranial posture also influences the facial and jaw muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, some patients with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>cervical tension,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>forward head,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or postural imbalances,<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They exhibit more symptoms of muscle tightness or fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The first real step: a comprehensive functional study<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At MIDSA, the approach to bruxism begins by trying to understand why the patient is clenching and what is disrupting the masticatory system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because not all patients need the same treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive functional study assessing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>bite,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>musculature,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>temporomandibular joint,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>breathing,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>chewing pattern,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>swallowing,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tongue position,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cervical and cranial posture,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and possible functional compensations.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some cases we also use complementary tools such as HBTC-RFA within the functional analysis of the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is not only to reduce symptoms, but to identify what factors are maintaining muscle overload and tightness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Orthodontics and functional stability: much more than just aligning teeth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some patients, tooth position and bite play an important role in jaw muscle tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it exists:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>occlusal instability,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bite collapse,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>severe crowding,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or functional compensations,<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The muscles can work constantly trying to stabilize the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In these cases, treatments such as <a href=\"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/invisible-orthodontics\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Invisible orthodontics in Valencia<\/a> can help improve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>stability,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>distribution of forces,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>masticatory function,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and muscle balance.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#039;s not just about dental aesthetics, but about how the bite works as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Occlusal rehabilitation in cases of wear or loss of stability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are patients who have been squeezing for years and present with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>severe wear,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fractures,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>loss of vertical dimension,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sensitivity,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or functional collapse of the bite.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In these cases, occlusal rehabilitation can be an important part of the treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>reconstruction of worn teeth,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>functional restorations,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bite adjustments,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or more extensive restorative treatments.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is to restore a more stable and physiological bite that reduces the muscle overload sustained for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What about bite splints?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Splints remain a useful and very important tool for many patients with bruxism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They help to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>protect your teeth,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reduce wear and tear,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>download muscle,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and temporarily stabilize the bite.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, for us, splints should not always be the only approach to treatment, especially when there are deeper functional impairments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are often part of the treatment, but not necessarily the definitive solution to the root of the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#039;s why we believe that understanding the patient&#039;s overall function is key before simply &quot;making a splint&quot;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The big mistake: treating only the symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many patients have been waiting for years:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>using splints,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>changing splints,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>taking muscle relaxants,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or by performing isolated treatments,<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">without having actually studied the functional origin of the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And although stress plays a role, it doesn&#039;t always explain it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>severe wear and tear,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>persistent muscle tension,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>repeated fractures,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or significant joint symptoms.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are patients for whom the key lies in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>breathing,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>mandibular position,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the bite,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>compensatory muscle patterns,<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or functional alterations maintained for years.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#039;s why individualized diagnosis is so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Frequently asked questions about bruxism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is there a cure for bruxism?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It depends on the origin and each individual case. Often it can be controlled and greatly improved when the factors involved are correctly identified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Does a mouthguard eliminate bruxism?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The splint protects the teeth and helps to relieve muscle tension, but it does not always eliminate the cause of clenching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can orthodontics help with bruxism?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In certain patients, yes, especially when there are significant bite abnormalities or a lack of functional stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is stress the only cause of bruxism?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Stress can play a role, but there are also functional, respiratory, muscular, and occlusal factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is it normal to wake up with jaw tension or facial pain?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It shouldn&#039;t be considered normal. It could be a sign of muscle strain or nighttime bruxism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Understanding the origin is the first step to improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bruxism isn&#039;t always resolved simply by protecting the teeth. Often, it&#039;s necessary to study how the masticatory system functions overall and what factors are maintaining muscle tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In <a href=\"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">MIDSA Dentistry<\/a>, We approach bruxism from a functional and individualized perspective, assessing not only the bite, but also the breathing, musculature and overall balance of the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you notice tooth wear, jaw tension, muscle pain, or a feeling of clenching, you can request an initial consultation at <a href=\"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/contact\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Our dental clinic in Valencia<\/a> to assess your case in a personalized way.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>El bruxismo es mucho m\u00e1s complejo de lo que muchas personas imaginan. Aunque suele asociarse simplemente a \u201crechinar los dientes por estr\u00e9s\u201d, la realidad es [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":806,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-804","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-consejos"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/804","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=804"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/804\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":807,"href":"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/804\/revisions\/807"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/806"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=804"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=804"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/midsa.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=804"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}