Kids and Teeth from Babyhood to University

Despite how degenerative that bruxism is, it remains one of the underrated dental conditions that people are susceptible to. Since it primarily affects people while they sleep, it is not uncommon to find a majority of sufferers may not even be aware that they have developed this condition. There are various reasons why you could develop bruxism ranging from sleep disorders, stress or also the use of psychoactive substances. It is essential to know if you have this oral condition before it causes irreparable damage to your teeth. So what are some of the symptoms of bruxism that should have you visiting a dentist?

Unexplained cosmetic damages to your teeth

The first signs of the potential onset of bruxism are noticeable cosmetic damages to your teeth. These damages will typically manifest as minor chips and hairline cracks in your teeth. Additionally, if you have any dental crowns, fillings or implants, you may also notice they have acquired some wear yet you have not changed your eating habits. If the bruxism is not addressed at this stage, you could end up suffering from permanent damage to your teeth.

Recurrent pain in your gums

A mistake some people make when it comes to bruxism is assuming it is a minor gum sensitivity that is causing their discomfort. Your gums become affected by bruxism since the tooth grinding gradually impacts the nerve endings. As a result, you start to experience a subtle ache in your gums that seems never to go away. Pain medication may help to manage this pain, but over time, your gums can become susceptible to disease due to the constant friction. Moreover, if your gums start to bleed it increases the chances of bacteria infecting them. It should also be noted that this pain will eventually spread to your jawbone and put you at risk of TMJ.

Chronic headaches

Another symptom of bruxism that tends to be ignored is constant headaches. If you live a stressful life, chances are you will be experiencing tension headaches from time to time. However, stress is also a precursor or bruxism. Therefore, as you grind your teeth at night, you will be exerting additional pressure to your temples and jawbone. The headaches not only become more frequent but you will also find they tend to be more severe in the morning. It would be advisable to set a dental appointment to discern whether you are suffering from bruxism.