Do you have worn teeth and/or a sore jaw for no apparent reason? Or perhaps the reason is apparent because you’re grinding your teeth and/or clenching your jaw. Bruxism is the health situation that fits either scenario.
Bruxism simply means teeth grinding or jaw clenching. And it’s not uncommon for both symptoms to take place with little or no awareness, especially while asleep. Instead, many only become aware that bruxism is in play via noticeably worn teeth or seek answers for a chronically sore jaw.
So what causes bruxism? The cause of teeth grinding, jaw clenching symptom isn’t clear cut because the reason behind yours is probably unique. But some of the potential causes and risks are:
- stress
- anxiety
- headache
- depression
- poor posture
- malocclusion
- eating disorder
- tooth sensitivity
- inability to relax
- illicit drug usage
- sleep cycle changes
- suppressed anger, frustration
- antidepressant drug side effect
- response to earache, teething pain
- aggressive, competitive, hyperactive personality
- Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease complication
Often, bruxism occurs during early childhood, then dissipates in adolescence.
Besides worn teeth and sore jaw symptoms, your teeth grinding, jaw clenching brusixm can lead to other complications, like:
- insomnia
- tooth sensitivity
- wear down enamel
- sores inside cheek
- tension headaches
- enlarged jaw muscles
- fractured, chipped teeth
- myofascial pain dysfunction
Sometimes, bruxism can cause TMJ problems. And if your teeth grinding is loud enough it can keep others awake.
Typically, bruxism requires no treatment because children usually outgrow it and adults don’t grind or clench their teeth bad enough to cause symptoms. However, if your worn teeth or sore jaw problem is severe, one of these treatments options may work for your:
- biofeedback
- dental splint
- warm compress to sore jaw
- correcting teeth alignment issues
- messaging trigger points for any associative pain
- stress management ~ exercise, meditation, warm bath
For some, relaxing and behavior modification is enough to reduce their instances of teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
Generally, bruxism is not considered dangerous to your health. For most, some worn teeth and a sore jaw is the full extent of its cause.