Many people are aware that bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be harmful to the enamel of the teeth. However, it can be difficult for patients to tell if they have this condition since most people clench their teeth together while asleep. Even people who grind teeth during the day are often unaware of the behavior. If you suspect a teeth-grinding issue, it is important to visit with a dentist to receive a more accurate diagnosis.
While not everyone who grinds teeth together has any noticeable issues, severe cases of the condition have more detrimental effects. There are several signs and symptoms to pay attention to that demand further evaluation.
When evaluating a patient, dentists can often tell if a patient has a chronic teeth-grinding issue by examining the condition of the teeth. When people grind their teeth, it is much more forceful than normal chewing and can wear down the enamel. If enough of the outer layer of the teeth is removed, this can expose the dentin underneath, causing tooth sensitivity and increasing the chance of tooth decay. The patient may even have visible cracks or chips on the teeth, or the edges of the teeth may appear flat. Grinding can also cause crowns, fillings or other prosthetics to break prematurely.
Patients who have bruxism may be concerned about chronic pain in the jaw or face. It is also common for people with this condition to wake up with dull headaches or to frequently experience earaches. Extended or severe episodes of teeth grinding can lead to temporomandibular disorder. In addition to pain in the face, jaw and head, other symptoms include a clicking noise when moving the jaw, difficulty opening the mouth or the jaw locking in place when ajar. Many patients with TMD feel very uncomfortable as a result of the condition and may struggle to eat or sleep.
Sleep-related teeth grinding can cause patients to wake up frequently through the night, leading to dissatisfying sleep and fatigue throughout the day. This behavior normally happens in the first stages of sleep prior to entering REM sleep. The sound of the teeth grating together can be loud or jarring enough to arouse the patient before the body transitions into the deep sleep stages. Bruxism may also be an accompaniment to sleep apnea or other types of sleep disorders. Some patients only find out about a teeth-grinding issue from a sleeping partner or during a sleep study.
If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect bruxism is to blame, make sure to mention these concerns during a dental appointment. Take note of any pain in the teeth or jaw, and report whether the behavior is happening during the day or night. Be prepared for the dentist to thoroughly examine the teeth for signs of wear and feel the joint of the jaw for any popping or grinding when in motion. With this information, the dentist can then discuss what treatment options are available.
Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
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