Bruxism

Symptoms

Symptoms vary greatly among patients and can range from mild and occasional to frequent and violent.

Bruxism usually occurs early in the night, but some patients brux at other times, such as in stressful situations while awake.

Some people are unaware of their bruxism, but side effects can include:

• Tips of teeth that are worn down, flattened or chipped
  
• Worn tooth enamel, exposing the inside of the tooth
  
• Increased tooth sensitivity
  
• Jaw clenching or muscle contractions
  
• Jaw pain or tightness in the jaw muscles
  
• Popping, clicking or locking of the jaw joints
  
• Earache due to violent jaw muscle contractions unrelated to the ear
  
• Dull morning headache
  
• Chronic facial pain
  
• Chewed tissue on the inner wall of the cheeks