Bonsol Dental Clinic

19/07/2026

29/04/2026

🚫 Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Clinical Signs, Tooth Wear Patterns, and Early Intervention

🦷 Bruxism is more than a habit—it’s a progressive condition that can significantly compromise dental structure and function over time.

👉 In this clinical image, we can clearly identify three key manifestations associated with chronic teeth grinding:

🔹 Abfraction: Cervical lesions near the gumline caused by biomechanical stress and flexural forces. These areas often appear as wedge-shaped defects and may be associated with hypersensitivity.

🔹 Attrition: Flattening of the incisal edges due to tooth-to-tooth contact. This is a hallmark of bruxism, reflecting ongoing mechanical wear that can alter occlusion and vertical dimension.

🔹 Chipping: Structural enamel fractures resulting from excessive occlusal load. These defects may expose dentin, increasing the risk of sensitivity and further structural breakdown.

From a clinical perspective, early detection is essential. Bruxism is frequently linked to stress, sleep disorders, or occlusal discrepancies, and if left unmanaged, it can lead to severe tooth wear, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and restorative challenges.

🛡️ Management strategies include occlusal splints, behavioral interventions, stress management, and restorative treatment when necessary. A multidisciplinary approach is often required for optimal outcomes.

📌 Understanding these wear patterns allows clinicians to intervene early, preserve tooth structure, and improve long-term prognosis.