Complications of Bruxism

Complications of Bruxism
Bruxism is the medical term for involuntary tooth grinding. Most people clench or grind their teeth from time to time with no adverse effects, but when tooth grinding becomes habitual, it can cause damage to the teeth and jaw. Bruxism can happen at any time of the day or night, but it most commonly occurs while sleeping without the person’s knowledge. Nocturnal bruxism occurs in approximately 5% to 29% of adults and is even more common in children. Most bruxism sufferers develop the condition in adolescence or early adulthood. The condition usually goes undiagnosed until visible damage to the teeth occurs, which can take years. Complications of bruxism may cause permanent damage to the teeth, oral and facial pain.

The complications of bruxism include
• Damage to the teeth.
• Broken fillings and other dental work.
• Worsening of jaw joint problems.
• Limitation or difficulty in jaw opening and closing.
• Headaches.
• Tooth sensitivity.
• Tooth mobility.
• Worsening of existing temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
• May awaken sleep partner.
• Facial pain.

Other complications include the following

• Chronic bruxism will create the decayed, fractured and the missing teeth. Grinding or clenching will break the enamel.

• Long term bruxism may change the appearance.

• Long term bruxism may cause the jaw tenderness, jaw pain, fatigue of facial muscles, headaches, neck aches etc.

• Sometimes bruxism may cause the inflammation and blockage of some salivary glands.

• Misaligned teeth may serve as the cause of bruxism.