| The medical term for grinding, clenching or gnashing teeth is ‘bruxism’. Both children and adults may suffer from the condition.
Who suffers the most from bruxism?
During day hours, certain individuals unconsciously clench their teeth against each other. However, the vast majority of adults and children with the condition grind and clench their teeth during sleeping hours. Commonly, it occurs in the early part of the night. It is referred to as ‘sleep bruxism.’
What medical treatments are available for bruxism?
By and large, most cases of bruxism are moderate enough that the condition does not necessitate treatment. Bruxism may transpire frequently and violently, triggering a host of medical ailments: headaches, damaged teeth, jaw disorders, and other health maladies. On the contrary, many people are unaware that they suffer from sleep bruxism. Consequently, many individuals go non-diagnosed until other medical complications occur.
As a result, it is essential to recognize the indications and symptoms of bruxism and seek dental care.
The symptoms of bruxism include the following:
• Loud teeth clenching or grounding (could awake a sleeping partner)
• Worn down, chipped or flattened teeth
• Chewed and frayed cheek tissue on the inside the mouth
• Extra tooth sensitivity
• Chronic facial pain
• Jagged to worn tooth enamel with the inside of teeth being exposed
• Tightness in jaw muscles or jaw pain
• From the jaw muscle contractions, an earache
• A dull throbbing morning headache
What causes bruxism?
Medical researchers continue to unfurl the mysteries of bruxism. Bruxism is attributed in certain individuals as an abnormal alignment of the lower and upper teeth or “malocclusion.” However, more often than not, bruxism is linked to certain psychological factors: tension, stress, aggressive anxiety, suppressed anger, and frustration.
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