Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often without them even realizing it. It typically occurs during sleep, making it difficult to diagnose without professional help or keen awareness of the symptoms. Left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to long-term dental damage, jaw disorders, and a diminished quality of life. Understanding the signs can help you catch the condition early and seek proper treatment.
Jaw Pain and Muscle Tension
One of the most common and earliest signs of teeth grinding is persistent jaw pain or muscle tightness in the face. If you often wake up with soreness in your jaw, or if your cheeks feel tired or tense without obvious cause, bruxism might be to blame. This pain can be dull or sharp and may worsen during stressful times or after a night’s sleep. The act of grinding exerts excessive pressure on the jaw muscles, leading to inflammation and discomfort that can radiate to other parts of the head and neck.
Worn or Flattened Teeth
Over time, grinding can wear down the enamel and shape of your teeth. Dentists can often spot the signs of bruxism by observing changes in your bite or the condition of your molars. You might notice that your teeth look flatter than before, or that the edges seem chipped without any obvious trauma. In severe cases, the inner layers of the tooth may become exposed, increasing sensitivity and risk of decay.
Headaches and Earaches
Morning headaches, particularly those that start at the temples or the sides of the head, are another red flag. The repeated clenching and grinding of the jaw muscles can cause tension-type headaches that mimic migraines. These symptoms often go hand-in-hand with earaches or a sensation of fullness in the ears, even when there’s no actual ear infection. That’s because the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located near the ears, is heavily affected by teeth grinding.
Tooth Sensitivity
As enamel wears away, your teeth may become more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. If you’re noticing that your teeth react more sharply to temperature changes, especially early in the day, it might be due to the thinning protective layers caused by grinding. This kind of sensitivity often increases gradually, making it a subtle yet telling indicator.
Disrupted Sleep and Fatigue
Because bruxism often occurs during sleep, many sufferers experience restless nights without knowing the cause. This constant subconscious activity can prevent you from reaching deeper stages of sleep, leaving you feeling groggy or fatigued even after a full night in bed. Some people also report waking up during the night with a tight jaw or an awareness of clenching. In more severe cases, the noise of grinding can be loud enough to disturb a partner’s sleep.
Indentations on the Tongue or Cheek Damage
If you frequently notice indentations on the sides of your tongue or signs of chewing on the inside of your cheeks, this may also point to nighttime teeth grinding. People who grind often unconsciously bite down on surrounding soft tissue. This is especially common during particularly tense episodes of bruxism.
Increased Dental Problems
Bruxism can contribute to a wide range of dental issues over time. From broken fillings to loosened teeth or misaligned bites, the ongoing pressure and friction can cause real and lasting damage. If you’re making more frequent visits to the dentist for repairs or restorations, and there’s no clear explanation for the wear and tear, grinding may be a hidden culprit.
Teeth Grinding Treatment in Timonium, MD
If you experience any of the above symptoms, Dr. Paul Karpovich is here to help. His team can identify the source of your dental complications and determine if teeth grinding is the culprit. Contac this office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.