As a dental practice, we at Lee Dental in Frisco, Texas, refer to teeth grinding by its medical name of bruxism. Bruxism can happen during the day or at night when you sleep. You may not be aware that you’re doing it.
Sometimes, the condition causes pain and tooth damage. It can even lead to sleep disruptions for you and your partner. Let’s take a closer look at bruxism and the effects of teeth grinding.
Are you grinding your teeth?
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may display no symptoms of bruxism. However, if you do, symptoms typically take the form of:
- Sounds from teeth grinding may be loud enough to wake your partner
- Your own sleep disturbances
- Pain or soreness in your ears, face, jaw, or neck
- Toothache
- Headaches near your temples
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tight or tired jaw muscles
- Locked jaw
- Enlarged jaw muscles
- Clicking and popping when you move your jaw
- Earaches not caused by ear problems
- Tooth damage such as chips, cracks, or flat spots
- Loose teeth
When bruxism is severe enough to wear away tooth enamel, you may be more susceptible to decay.
Risk factors and complications of bruxism
If you suspect that you’re grinding your teeth, check this list of risk factors for problems you might be experiencing, then talk to our team about your concerns:
- Age: children often suffer from teeth grinding, but they usually tend to outgrow it before adulthood
- Personality: “Type A,” aggressive, or competitive personalities are more likely to display bruxism
- Stress: anxiety, pressure at school or work, and other sources of stress could be accompanied by teeth grinding
- Medications: a rare side effect of antidepressants, seizure medications, and drugs to treat ADHD
- Substances and substance abuse: tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs may carry bruxism as a side effect
- Daytime habits: activities such as chewing gum or biting your lip or tongue
- Family history of bruxism
- Medical conditions: including but not limited to dementia, epilepsy, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), night terrors, Parkinson’s disease, and sleep apnea
Without treatment, bruxism can cause complications such as:
- Damage to teeth or dental work, like crowns, fillings, bridges, and dentures
- General erosion of tooth enamel
- Facial and jaw pain
- Disorders of the temporomandibular joints, the hinge points of your jaw
- Tension headaches
There’s a simple solution to grinding that works for many. Contact Lee Dental and talk with our mouthguard specialists. Just as sports mouthguards can protect your teeth during risky activities, custom-designed protectors can ease the effects of bruxism, especially when you’re asleep. Book your appointment with us online or by phone today.
