Boones Ferry Dental

Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism You Can’t Afford to Miss

You might not be familiar with the term, but bruxism is a common problem and you are probably familiar with the behavior. It is the persistent grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. It often occurs in patients with anxiety issues or sleep disorders, like apnea. It has a wide range in severity, and can wax and wane over the course of a lifetime. But if you have it, you should talk to Dr. Morrissey for a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Why is Bruxism a Concern?

The masseter (cheek muscle used to chew) is one of the strongest in the human body. It can exert up to 600 pounds of force per square inch. Imagine what that kind of constant pressure could do. It could easily wear down the structure of teeth causing fractures of flattening, reducing teeth to nubs. It could also cause joint and muscle problems, or more severe temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ disorders).

Causes of Bruxism in Adults

One of the leading triggers for teeth grinding is anxiety. And if you already grind your teeth day and night, stress can make the condition worse. Also, there are those who grind their teeth regardless of anxiety. Some do it because of dental problems or poor alignment of teeth. Another contributor could also be sleep apnea. New research shows that those with partial breathing obstruction during sleep often have bruxism. The action of clenching the jaw and grinding teeth works to open the collapsed airway. So before you can seek treatment, the dentist needs to figure out the underlying cause of your grinding.

How do I Know If I Have It?

Most people do not even realize they are grinding their teeth, even when it is an ongoing habit. This is because the majority who suffer from bruxism often grind their teeth at night while they sleep. So, for proper diagnosis, Dr. Morrissey will ask some detailed questions and look for several signs and symptoms of the condition.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism

These might include:

• Exhaustion from lack of restful sleep
• Recurring headaches
• Consistent neck or jaw pain
• Ear pain, not from an ear infection
• Receding gums
• Teeth sensitivity
• Teeth that are flat or fractured
• Loosening teeth
• Beginnings of jaw joint disorders
• Locked jaw that doesn’t fully close or open

People who occasionally grind their teeth don’t have anything to worry about. However, those who suffer from constant teeth grinding should seek professional help from Boones Ferry Dental. Call our office today at (503) 683-7484 or visit us at 5775 Willow Ln., Lake Oswego, OR, 97035 to speak about your case.

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