Things You May Notice at Home That Point to a Bruxism Problem
Posted on 12/7/2020 by Dr. Burnham
Bruxism is a condition characterized by excessive clenching and grinding of the teeth and is present in up to 31% of the population. There are two classifications of bruxism, awake and sleep bruxism, with the latter being particularly hazardous because it often goes unnoticed until the symptoms are more severe. We will cover the symptoms of bruxism, and what your next steps should be if they are manifesting in your mouth.
Symptoms and Causes of Bruxism
Bruxism typically results in chipped, fractured, or flattened teeth due to excessive grinding and clenching. Due to the pressure that can be applied to your teeth, another common symptom is tooth pain and a tired or tight jaw; because your jaw is also connected to your skull, this pain can also creep up into the ear and temple regions. Grinding teeth could also lead to teeth with their dentin or pulp exposed. Also, be on the lookout for areas of your cheek that might exhibit signs of chewing, as well as sudden awakenings from sleep. An abnormal bite or crooked teeth are common causes of bruxism, but it can also be induced by stress, anger, fear, frustration, or tension.
Treatments
The most common treatment of bruxism is the creation of a custom mouth guard. Due to the fact that bruxism can be difficult to manage when you are awake, and impossible when you are asleep, it is often necessary to put some distance and soft material between your combative teeth. Other potential treatments include stress classes and medication; we will diagnose your personal situation and decide which course of action is best for you. Contact our office if you have any of these symptoms, and we will do all that we can to eliminate the harmful effects that bruxism could have on your teeth.
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Bruxism is a condition characterized by excessive clenching and grinding of the teeth and is present in up to 31% of the population. There are two classifications of bruxism, awake and sleep bruxism, with the latter being particularly hazardous because it often goes unnoticed until the symptoms are more severe. We will cover the symptoms of bruxism, and what your next steps should be if they are manifesting in your mouth.