What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a dental condition characterized by the habit of grinding, clenching, or gnashing one’s teeth, typically involuntarily and often during sleep. It can occur both during the day and at night though.
It can occur in both adults and children. Estimates of its prevalence can vary, but studies suggest that:
Sleep Bruxism: This form of bruxism, which occurs during sleep, is estimated to affect around 8% to 31% of adults and up to 15% of children. It tends to be more prevalent in children and decreases with age.
Awake Bruxism: Bruxism that occurs while awake is generally less prevalent than sleep bruxism. Its prevalence in the general population is estimated to be around 5% to 20%.
Symptoms of Bruxism
This condition can occur due to various factors, including stress, anxiety, and certain medical or dental problems.
It’s often associated with lifestyle factors and habits that contribute to stress and muscle tension. While the exact cause of bruxism isn’t always clear, it’s widely recognized as a common oral health issue.
It can manifest through a variety of signs and symptoms, which can range in severity. Some individuals might be unaware of their bruxism until they start experiencing dental issues or other related problems.
Below are common signs and symptoms of bruxism to keep an eye on:
1. Grinding or Clenching Sounds: Partners or family members might notice the sound of grinding or clenching during sleep. This is a common indicator of sleep bruxism.
2. Tooth Wear: Bruxism can cause noticeable wear on the chewing surfaces of teeth. This might result in flattened, chipped, or fractured teeth.
3. Tooth Sensitivity: Enamel wear from bruxism can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.
4. Jaw Pain: Clenching and grinding can strain the muscles of the jaw, leading to jaw pain or discomfort. This pain might extend to the ears and temples.
5. Headaches: Bruxism-related muscle tension and strain can contribute to tension headaches, particularly in the temples.
6. Facial Pain: Pain or discomfort might be felt in the face, particularly in the cheeks and around the jaw joint.
7. Difficulty Opening or Closing the Mouth: Severe cases of bruxism can lead to a limited range of motion in the jaw joint, making it challenging to open or close the mouth fully.
8. Fatigue upon Waking: Constant grinding during sleep can cause disrupted sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and sleepiness upon waking.
9. Insomnia: Sleep disruption caused by bruxism can result in insomnia or difficulty staying asleep.
10. Cheek or Tongue Biting: Individuals with bruxism might accidentally bite their cheeks or tongue due to the excessive force applied to the teeth.
11. Unexplained Facial Pain: Bruxism-related muscle tension can lead to facial pain, which might not always be attributed to teeth grinding.
12. Damaged Dental Restorations: Dental work like crowns, fillings, and bridges might be damaged or prematurely worn due to the grinding forces of bruxism.
Not everyone with bruxism will experience all of these symptoms, and some individuals might have no noticeable symptoms at all. If you suspect you have bruxism or are experiencing any of these signs, it’s advisable to consult with your dental specialist.
By identifying and addressing bruxism at an early stage, you can prevent or limit the extent of dental damage such as tooth wear, chipping, and cracking.
This can help maintain the structural integrity of your teeth and avoid the need for more extensive dental work in the future along with relieving the common symptoms mentioned above.
