Teeth grinding (bruxism): causes, splints and costs in Switzerland

Why do people grind their teeth at night?

In shortUsually several factors come together: stress and tension, poor sleep, sometimes medication or stimulants. The bite alone is rarely the explanation.

• Stress and inner tension: the most common amplifier. Many people grind much more during stressful periods.
• Sleep: restless sleep, snoring and breathing pauses are linked to grinding at night.
• Stimulants: alcohol, nicotine and caffeine in the evening can increase grinding.
• Medication: some medications, for example certain antidepressants, can promote grinding. Please do not stop taking them on your own; discuss it with the prescribing doctor.
• Changes to the bite: for example after new crowns or fillings. They can be involved but are rarely the sole cause.

Professionally, a distinction is made between grinding during sleep and clenching during the day. Both strain the jaw muscles and joints, but often have different triggers.

How can I tell that I grind at night?

In shortIn the morning: a stiff or tired jaw, headache at the temples, sensitive teeth. Over time: worn tooth edges or fine cracks in the enamel.

• your jaw feels in the morning as if you had been biting all night
• headache or pressure at the temples as soon as you wake up
• teeth sensitive to cold, sweet or sour
• flattened tooth edges, cracks in the enamel, broken fillings
• tooth marks on the edge of the tongue or a line on the inside of the cheek
• your partner hears you grinding at night

Whether there is more to it, for example ear or neck symptoms, can be shown by a first self-test.

Is teeth grinding harmful?

In shortOccasional grinding is common and not a disease. If regular and forceful, it can overload teeth, muscles and jaw joints.

Grinding exerts large forces, often for minutes at a time. Possible consequences are wear and cracks in the teeth, painful jaw muscles, morning headaches and overloaded jaw joints. Not everyone who grinds has symptoms.

Grinding and clenching are the most direct signs of an overloaded jaw system and often the driver behind head, ear and neck symptoms.

Does a night guard help?

In shortIt reliably protects the teeth from wear. It does not treat the cause of grinding. Whether a different splint makes sense depends on the findings.

• Night guard or protective splint: protects the teeth but does not prevent grinding.
• Bite or relaxation splint: can relieve the muscles and ease acute symptoms.
• Splint planned on the basis of functional diagnostics: made on the basis of measuring bite position and muscle activity, when the jaw system is involved in the symptoms.

A splint from the chemist or the internet only protects. Anyone who grinds and has head, ear or neck symptoms should have their function measured before a splint is planned. More on this: Is it possible to treat CMD without a splint?

How much does a night guard cost in Switzerland?

In shortThere is no flat price. The cost depends on how it is made, the material and whether functional measurement is carried out first.

The price depends on how the splint is made, what material it is and whether functional measurement precedes it. A purely protective splint costs less than one planned after functional diagnostics.

At the CMD-Klinik, you receive a description of services with the costs before each step. More in the article CMD treatment: 15 questions.

Does health insurance pay for a night guard?

In shortBasic insurance usually does not, because dental treatment is only covered in exceptional cases exhaustively listed by law. Many supplementary dental insurance policies contribute.

Ask your supplementary insurance before the splint is made, with a cost estimate from the practice. Physiotherapy prescribed by a doctor, on the other hand, is covered by basic insurance. Details: What does health insurance cover for CMD?

What helps against teeth grinding without a splint?

In shortAbove all, whatever reduces tension: reducing stress, sleeping better, less alcohol and caffeine in the evening, and consciously keeping your teeth apart during the day.

• Practise the rest position during the day: lips closed, teeth apart, tongue on the roof of the mouth. Those who clench less during the day often clench less at night too.
• Evening routine: screens off earlier, warmth on jaw and neck, gentle stretching.
• Manage stress: exercise, relaxation techniques, psychological support when under heavy strain.
• Have your sleep checked if you snore or breathing pauses have been noticed.
• Physiotherapy for the jaw and neck muscles.

You will find exercises and massage points in the article Relieving CMD yourself.

I clench my teeth during the day. What can I do?

In shortBecome aware of clenching and release it: with small reminders in everyday life and the rest position. At rest, the teeth do not touch.

• set small reminders, such as a dot on the edge of your screen or a note on your phone
• at each reminder, check: are your teeth together? Then release, breathe out, drop your shoulders
• note situations in which you clench particularly, such as when concentrating, angry or driving
• do not clench your teeth when exercising or lifting

Daytime clenching is often closely linked to tension. A connection between psychological strain, daytime clenching and painful CMD has been described.

Can teeth grinding cause headaches and neck pain?

In shortYes. The temporalis is one of the chewing muscles. People who grind at night often wake up with a headache at the temples or a stiff neck.

When grinding, the jaw muscles work against themselves for hours. The tension spreads to the temple and head muscles. Jaw and cervical spine are also controlled by shared reflexes, which is why the neck is often affected too.

Is teeth grinding normal in children?

In shortGrinding is common in children, especially while their teeth are changing, and often goes away on its own. Have it checked if there is pain, headaches, mouth breathing or snoring.

In children, the bite changes constantly during growth, and grinding can be part of this. Signs that it is worth looking more closely are morning headaches or jaw pain, heavy tooth wear, mouth breathing, snoring or restlessness at school.

Your child’s paediatric dentist or dentist is the first point of contact.

More questions, already answered

• What should you avoid with CMD?→
• How can I relax my jaw immediately?→
• Which sleeping position is best with CMD?→
• What is the best therapy for CMD?→

Sources

• Swiss Health Care Benefits Ordinance (KLV), Art. 17–19 (dental services)
• Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD)
• Reviews on aetiology, chronification and posture, as cited on our pages for professionals

This article is for general information and does not replace a medical or dental assessment. Cost information is a guide; your practice’s quote and your insurer’s information are what count.