Signs of teeth grinding, or also known as bruxism, include producing grinding noises when sleeping. Other signs of teeth grinding or of the gnashing and clenching action are wear on the teeth, tooth loosening, tooth fracture and loss of tooth enamel. Some people may not be aware that they are already experiencing a forceful contact between teeth since this teeth grinding action usually occurs at night while sleeping. This unawareness results in the aforementioned tooth damages.
A hearing loss as well as a change in face appearance may also be a result of teeth grinding. Bruxism accompanied by lateral movements reduces and makes the teeth being ground less sharp, and may also lead to headaches, myofascial muscle pain as well as temporomandibular joint disorder. Abrasion in tooth is accelerated when a considerable amount of tooth enamel has been scraped which results in the exposure of the softer dentin.
A lateral grinding movement of the teeth results in tooth abrasion and the destruction of the incisal edes of the teeth. People suffering from bruxism may also grind their posterior teeth which in turn wears down the cusps of the occlusal exterior. Some bruxers grind and clench only their front teeth which do not include the muscle groups. Tooth that has developed a hollow area due to a previous decay or a dental drilling may further deteriorate due to cyclic pressures caused by bruxism.
The possibility of dental decay arises when the softer dentin has been exposed. This could also result in the deterioration of the gums. At this point, the early intervention of the dentist is required. A routine dental examination can effectively help in tracing these dental disorders and may guide the dentist in confirming that his or her patient is suffering from bruxism.
Teeth grinding and clenching when sleeping may be loud enough to awaken your sleeping partner who can eventually inform you of these condition. Day teeth grinding or clenching or when you are awake gives you the perfect sign that you are suffering from bruxism and a clear indication
that you should consult your dentist. The dentist can confirm the condition by finding unusual wear spots on your teeth and assessing interrelated symptoms to prevent further deterioration of your teeth.
Other signs of teeth grinding are depression, earache, eating disorders, insomnia, headache, jaw pain, neck pain, damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek, indentations on your tongue, migraines, tinnitus, anxiety, stress, tension. Earache may be caused by the chronic jaw muscle contractions.