Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is common in young people and can occur due to stress. Symptoms include tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, bleeding gums, and headaches. Mouthguards can prevent teeth grinding, but lifestyle changes like stress reduction and exercise are also helpful. If left uncorrected, teeth grinding can lead to loose teeth, cracks, and enamel wear, requiring extensive dental work.
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common problem most often seen in young people, although it can occur in people of all ages, often as a result of stress. Teeth grinding symptoms are fairly simple and typically include tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, bleeding gums, and persistent, dull headaches. Some people will experience cracked or loose teeth as symptoms of teeth grinding, while others may only be noticed by a dentist, such as more minor tooth damage or wear to the enamel on the teeth.
Sleeping parents or partners may be the first to notice the symptoms of teeth grinding. Although some people just clench their teeth while sleeping which can still cause problems; other people will actually grind their teeth and move them back and forth in a chewing motion, which can make a distinct crunching noise. If a parent notices this, they should be referred to a dentist. Mouthguards are typically used in children to prevent teeth grinding, and many children will grow out of them; adults may also opt to use mouthguards, although some find stress reduction and other techniques to be more helpful, such as cutting down on alcohol, which has been shown to increase teeth grinding.
People will often notice teeth grinding symptoms upon waking up in the morning. Jaw tension and pain are among the most common, although some will also notice that their teeth are becoming more sensitive and painful, especially to hot or cold liquids. This constant tension in the muscles of the face, neck and jaw often leads to dull, constant pain and headaches. Gum pain or bleeding is a little less common, but it can also occur. If you notice these symptoms it is important to make lifestyle changes to stop teeth grinding; try practicing relaxation techniques, for example, or getting some exercise during the day to relieve stress.
Other teeth grinding symptoms typically appear after a period of time in which the teeth grinding has not been corrected. This can be loose teeth, cracks in the teeth or damage to existing fillings, or enamel wear that progresses more rapidly than normal. A dentist will generally notice these symptoms if the patient hasn’t already. This can require extensive dental work if the teeth grinding doesn’t stop, which can be a very painful and expensive process.
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