Bruxism is a medical term used to describe a condition in which people repeatedly clench or grind their teeth. For many people, bruxism is an unconscious action that may be triggered by daily stress or tension, according to MayoClinic.com. People who develop symptoms associated with bruxism should seek care from a dentist or physician.
Grinding Sounds
The most common bruxism symptom is an unusual grinding sound that most frequently occurs when a person is sleeping, the Better Health Channel reports. The audible grinding noise may be loud enough to wake a person's sleep partner.
Jaw Tightness or Pain
Frequent grinding or clenching of the teeth causes the muscles in the jaw to contract more often than usual. Overusing the jaw muscles can cause certain people to develop noticeably enlarged jaw muscles that protrude from the sides of the face. Additionally, certain people may experience recurrent tightness or pain along the jaw muscles, MayoClinic.com explains.
Ear, Head or Facial Pain
Constant contraction of the jaw muscles due to bruxism can lead to chronic ear, head or facial pain in affected people, MedlinePlus explains. Sensations of pain can be mild to moderate in severity and may make it difficult for people to remain attentive and alert during normal daily activities. People who experience long-term facial, head or ear pain should receive further care from a medical professional.
Degraded Tooth Enamel and Tooth Sensitivity
People who grind their teeth can experience progressive tooth enamel degradation as a symptom of bruxism. The teeth can become loose and may develop chips or fractures due to excessive grinding, according to the American Dental Association. As the tooth enamel wears away, the nerves within the teeth are exposed, which can contribute to increased tooth sensitivity. People can experience sudden, sharp pain while eating certain types of food, especially sweet, hot or cold foods. Using cold water to brush the teeth may also be uncomfortable to people with bruxism.
Oral or Tongue Deformities
People with bruxism may develop unusual indentations along the sides of the tongue as a result of constant jaw clenching, MayoClinic.com reports. Certain people can also experience sensations of discomfort or soreness along the inside of the cheeks due to tissue damage caused by frequent teeth grinding.
