Bruxism is the unconscious clenching of the jaws and grinding of teeth, which can occur both at night and during the day. Despite appearing harmless, this issue can lead to serious consequences:

• premature wear of tooth enamel
• chipping and damage to teeth and fillings
• headaches and insomnia
• tension in the chewing muscles and TMJ pain

If you notice grinding or severe jaw tension, you should schedule an appointment with a gnathologist at Doctor Dent in Astana, who will help identify the cause and select an effective treatment.

Our clinic utilizes modern methods of diagnostics and therapy:

• Digital scanners for occlusion analysis
• TMJ computed tomography for joint visualization
• Condylography — recording joint movements
• Experienced gnathologists with advanced training
• Only evidence-based, modern treatment methods, without outdated techniques

This approach allows for precise diagnostics and the prescription of individual treatment, ensuring long-term results.

• Diurnal (Daytime) Bruxism — unconscious clenching of teeth during the day due to stress, concentration, or emotional tension.
• Nocturnal (Sleep) Bruxism — grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep, which may be accompanied by snoring or apnea.

If you wake up with pain in your jaw, ears, temples, or neck, you likely have nocturnal bruxism.

• Malocclusion (bite misalignment)
• Incorrectly fitted prosthetics or fillings
• Missing teeth

• Sleep disorders
• Nervous system dysfunction

• Stress, chronic fatigue
• Emotional instability

• Antidepressants and psychotropic drugs

• Squeaking and grinding of teeth, especially at night
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Clicking and discomfort in the TMJ
• Tension in the face and neck muscles
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Morning headaches
• Sleep disruption

Early identification of symptoms helps prevent complications and preserve dental health.

A gnathologist is a dentist with an orthopedic specialization who deals with problems of the TMJ and chewing muscles. The doctor evaluates:

• the condition of the joints
• bite characteristics
• the quality of fillings, crowns, and prosthetics

If necessary, a neurologist or psychologist may also be involved for comprehensive therapy.

If bruxism is left untreated:

• Early tooth wear and damage to fillings/crowns
• Headaches and ear pain
• Insomnia and irritability
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
• Sleep apnea due to jaw displacement

In children up to 12–14 years old, bruxism is often associated with stress and an immature nervous system. It usually resolves on its own, but teaching a child stress management helps reduce manifestations.

• Age (more common in children)
• Neurotic personality type
• Use of antidepressants or neuroleptics
• Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, psychoactive substances
• Certain conditions: ADHD, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, gastroesophageal reflux

• Examination and medical history
• Analysis of tooth chipping and wear
• Evaluation of chewing muscle tension
• Computerized occlusion diagnostics
• TMJ computed tomography
• Articulator and facebow for jaw movement analysis

Treatment is comprehensive and individualized:

• Removable night guards to protect the teeth
• Botulinum toxin therapy — injections to reduce the tone of the chewing muscles
• Orthodontic treatment — bite correction
• Prosthetics and tooth restorations

All procedures are performed by experienced Doctor Dent gnathologists using modern equipment.

In parallel with medical treatment, you can use:

• Warm compresses and massage
• Muscle relaxation exercises
• A warm bath or foot baths before bed
• Avoiding hard foods and chewing gum in the evening
• A light dinner and avoiding caffeine in the evening
• Walks in the fresh air before bedtime
• Maintaining hydration
• Creating comfortable conditions for sleep: silence, cool temperature, darkness

Bruxism — timely consultation with a Doctor Dent gnathologist in Astana helps prevent tooth destruction, reduce pain, and restore full jaw function.