Bruxism is defined by the Merriam-Webster online dictionary
as, the habit of unconsciously gritting
or grinding the teeth especially in situations of stress or during sleep.
It's derived from the Greek word brychein meaning “to gnash teeth.”
Bruxism can be done consciously or unconsciously, and can be mild or excessive.
Usually, mild bruxing will not result in problems, but excessive bruxing can.
Your Grand Prairie, TX, dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, can evaluate your teeth for
signs of bruxism, and discuss your need for treatment.
What Leads to Bruxing
Bruxing may be the result of stress, tension, anger,
anxiety, or frustration. It has been speculated that it may be associated with
certain personality types, such as hyperactive, competitive, or aggressive
personalities. It may also be generated by missing teeth, malocclusion (incorrect bite), diseases like Parkinson’s or
Huntington’s, and medications such as certain antidepressants.
To determine if you are a bruxer, take the following true or
false quiz:
- Your jaw muscles are
tight, sore, or tired: T or F
- You experience pain in
your face, ears, or jaws: T or F
- Your teeth are sensitive,
worn, chipped, flattened, or becoming shorter: T or F
- Your partner complains
that you grind in your sleep: T or F
- You experience sore gums:
T or F
- You wake up with
headaches: T or F
- You notice a level of
hearing loss: T or F
The above are indications of bruxing. Teeth are strong and
meant to last a lifetime if cared for properly. However, if you brux in your
sleep and are unaware, you may not realize your condition until complications
develop, such as serious tooth damage and/or temporomandibular joint disorder
(TMJ). Therefore, knowing the signs and symptoms, and attending routine visits
to Dr. Quinn can prevent your condition from
worsening. Dr. Quinn may opt to treat
your bruxing with a mouth guard or splint. Schedule a consultation
with Dr. Quinn if you’re aware that you brux, or if you are experiencing mouth,
jaw, ear, or face pain, or if someone notices that you are grinding in your
sleep.
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