What is Bruxism?
Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) is a condition where you unknowingly grind or clench your teeth. It involves the involuntary tightening of jaw muscles, which can occur while you’re awake (awake bruxism) or while you’re asleep (sleep bruxism). Bruxism symptoms may include jaw pain, headaches, and worn-down teeth, and can affect your overall oral health.
Sleep Bruxism Classification
Sleep bruxism is classified as Dorsal Sleep Myoclonia or a sleep-related movement disorder. Individuals who brux, either clenching or grinding during the night, are more likely to snore and experience segments of time during the night when breathing is interrupted (sleep apnea).
Does Bruxism Always Require Treatment?
The first point that is important to understand when providing treatment for bruxism is that mild bruxism does not necessarily need treatment. Bruxism can exist in some individuals as a mild phenomenon, while in others, it can be frequent and severe enough to cause jaw disorders, headaches, damage to the teeth, and other complications.
Importance of Recognizing Symptoms
Since you might be among the many patients with sleep bruxism without knowing it until complications arise, ensure that you are aware of the symptoms of bruxism and follow dentist-recommended appointments.
Symptoms of Bruxism
Signs and symptoms of bruxism may include:
- Tongue thrashing or thrusting, which can be audible enough to wake up the sleeper in the next bed
- Crowned teeth, broken teeth, or crooked teeth
- Cracked or chipped tooth, where your enamel is already damaged to reveal the harder layers within your teeth
- Increased sensitivity or tenderness in the teeth
- Jaw pain or discomfort, whether constant or episodic
- Jaw discomfort upon awakening
- Awkward feeling, fatigued, and/or tight jaw muscles or a joint that is locked and cannot open or close fully
- Sore jaws, neck, or face
- Headache that resembles an earache but isn’t an ear issue
- Throbbing headache starting in the temple region
- Hematomas from the inside of the cheek being chewed
- Sleep disruption
When to See a Doctor
If you have any of the above symptoms or have questions about your teeth or jaw, please see your dentist or doctor.
If you notice your child grinding his or her teeth or showing other symptoms of bruxism, be sure to inform the dentist during your child’s next visit.
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