Bruxism in Dogs

Bruxism in dogs is an uncommon condition that may develop as a symptom of an underlying painful disorder. Prompt veterinarian treatment will prevent bruxism from causing extreme wear on the teeth and the escalation of any painful dental disorders.

  1. Identification

    • Bruxism in dogs is a condition that is characterized by grinding and clenching the teeth. Grinding and clenching of the teeth may occur while the dog is asleep or awake, and it may be a mild, moderate or severe condition.

      Bruxism may occur in dogs of all ages and breeds, and while the condition is not entirely rare it is not considered to be common in dogs; this type of condition is instead associated more often in people who develop bruxism as a result of stress or emotional disorders.

    Effects

    • Untreated bruxism in dogs may cause severe canine dental disorders from the wear and tear on the teeth which this disorder causes. Over time, grinding the teeth will eventually erode the tooth enamel and dogs may suffer from broken, weakened and painful teeth; nerves within the teeth may also become exposed which will result in severe pain.

      Continual tooth grinding may also cause the tissues inside the mouth to thicken; these tissues may then become frequently caught between the teeth, which can cause sores and infections in the mouth.

      Bruxism may lead to weight loss caused by the inability to eat food; weight loss may also occur as the result of loss of appetite caused by pain associated with this disorder.

    Causes

    • Canine bruxism is usually the result of pain associated with prior dental problems. Dogs that are suffering from pain in their mouths as a result of dental disorders such as cavities, malformed teeth or fractured teeth can develop bruxism.

      Painful gastrointestinal disorders have also been known to cause bruxism in dogs and these disorders may include repeated vomiting caused by food allergies or inflammatory bowel disease or acid reflux caused by conditions of the esophagus.

    Prevention

    • Pet owners may decrease their dog's chances of developing bruxism by maintaining their dog's dental health. Any issues with vomiting or food allergies must be promptly addressed to prevent possible bruxism from occurring.

    Treatment

    • As bruxism in dogs is a condition that develops as a symptom of pain, the treatment for bruxism includes identifying the source of the pain and then treating the cause of the pain. A full complete dental check with X-rays may be required and any signs of food allergies, gastrointestinal upset or esophageal conditions will also need to be addressed.