Bruxism And Its Effects

Grinding or clenching of teeth is a dental condition where the patient unconsciously grinds, gnashes or clenches their teeth. A person suffering from sleep bruxism may involuntarily clench (grind) their teeth even while their awake.

Sleep Bruxism

The term sleep bruxism is a sleep-related disorder during which the person clenches his/her teeth during sleep. Patients suffering from the same are likely to have developed other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Bruxism

The possible signs and symptoms of bruxism may include the below:

• Sleep disruption
• Stress or pain in the jaws, neck, or face
• Flattened, fractured, or chipped teeth
• Increased pain or sensitivity in the tooth
• Ear pain

Causes of Bruxism

- Sleep Bruxism: A sleep related disorder that leads to repeated clenching of the teeth.

- Awake Bruxism: Developed due to stress, anxiety, frustration, or tension.

Effects of Bruxism

Bruxism can affect patients in many ways. There are both short-term and long-term effects of bruxism:

Short-term effects may include the below:

• Headaches
• Ear pain
• Shoulder stiffness
• Sleep disruption
• Pain in the jaw and facial muscles
• Receding or inflamed gum tissues

Long-term effects of bruxism may include:

• Development of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
• Wearing and breakage of teeth

To understand more bruxism and its effects, request an appointment with Dr. Tognotti by calling our office at (925) 934 2066 or by placing an appointment online.