The underlying cause is likely a centrally mediated phenomenon related to microarousals from sleep and activation of the autonomic nervous system.
There is a definite place to consider the use of Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Blocks it treating Bruxism as well as most TMJ Disorders. The Sphenopalatine Ganglion sits on the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve in the prteygoid palatine fossa. The maxillary division of the Trigeminal Nerve is an afferent nerve which brings information into the brain. Understand that all branches of the trigeminal nerve are actually BRAIN CELLS.
The Trigeminal Nerve is part of every headache type including sinus headaches, tension headaches cluster headaches. The Autonomic Nervous System is involved in all of the Autonomic Cephalgias along with the Trigeminal Nerve.
Bruxism Management
Sona J. Lal 1, Abdulghani Sankari 2, Kurt K. Weber, DDS 3
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
2024 May 1.
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PMID: 29494073 Bookshelf ID: NBK482466
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Excerpt
Bruxism, a prevalent condition, involves rhythmic contractions of the masseter muscles, accompanied by teeth grinding and mandible thrusting. Bruxism can manifest during sleep or wakefulness, each with various contributing factors. Sleep bruxism is most common in children, affecting 15% to 40% of children and 8% to 10% of adults. Wake bruxism affects 22.1% to 31% of the population. The underlying cause is likely a centrally mediated phenomenon related to microarousals from sleep and activation of the autonomic nervous system. UARS or Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome and Sleep Apnea are a major causes of microarousals as is Fibromyalgia. Alpha intrusion is the sleep marker for fibromyalgia.
Clinicians categorize bruxism as primary or secondary based on its association with underlying medical conditions. In severe cases, bruxism may cause considerable damage to teeth and dental work, leading to morning jaw pain, temporal headaches, and restricted motion of the temporomandibular joint. Generally, the diagnosis is clinical, but affected patients require a thorough evaluation to identify potential underlying sleep disorders or other associated risk factors. Healthcare professionals utilize a multifaceted treatment approach focusing on patient education, counseling, lifestyle modification, and dental appliances.
This is an excellent reference on the subject! https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4590147/