Bruxism
What Are The Warning Signs of Bruxism?
Have you ever felt a pain in the jaw of your teeth when you woke up from sleep or suffered from a headache that you do not know its cause? For example, you may be suffering from bruxism.
What Is Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition in which a person clenches and presses too hard on the teeth with or without grinding movements. There are two types of bruxism; the first appears unconsciously when a person is awake, and the second occurs when the teeth are pulled and pressed during sleep.
Although bruxism can be occasional due to stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep. Bruxism during sleep is one of the sleep disorders. People who clench their teeth while sleeping is more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and sleep apnea. If you develop bruxism, you won’t know until complications arise, so it’s essential to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and seek regular dental care.
What Are The Symptoms Of Bruxism?
Severe pressure on the teeth may be high enough to wake you from sleep.
Flat or broken teeth.
Erosion of tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your teeth.
- Increased tooth pain or tooth sensitivity.
- Jaw muscle fatigue or soreness in the jaw, neck, or face.
- Pain resembles an earache, although it’s not a problem with your ear.
- Mild headache that starts in the temples.
- Ulcers inside the mouth are caused by chewing the inside of the cheek.
- Sleep disturbance.
Do Children Suffer From Bruxism?
The problem of grinding teeth is not limited to adults. About a third of children clench their teeth. Babies begin to clench their teeth when their deciduous teeth appear and when their permanent teeth appear. Most children get rid of the bruxism phenomenon after these two sets of teeth erupt. Children commonly clench their teeth while sleeping and not during waking hours. Therefore, grinding baby teeth rarely causes any problems. However, bruxism can cause jaw pain, headache, and dental erosion.
When Should You See A Dentist?
See your dentist if you have any of the symptoms listed above or have other concerns about your teeth or jaw. Also, if you notice your child clenching his teeth, or showing other signs or symptoms of bruxism, tell the dentist about the problem.
What Are The Complications Of Bruxism?
In most cases, bruxism does not cause serious complications. But severe bruxism may lead to:
- Damage to teeth, restorations, veneers, or jaws.
- Tension headache.
- Severe pain in the face or jaws.
- Disorders of the temporomandibular joint just in front of your ears may sound like a clicking sound when you open and close your mouth.
What Is The Treatment of Bruxism?
In many cases, treatment is not necessary. Many children outgrow bruxism without treatment, and many adults do not clench their teeth hard enough to seek treatment. However, if the problem is advanced, options include some techniques, exercises, tips, treatments, and medications to prevent tooth damage and relieve jaw pain.
Also, dental appliances during sleep (night guards) may help reduce the severity and effects of the problem.
