Symptoms of bruxism can vary and include anxiety, stress, and tension; depression; tooth pain; cracked tooth syndrome; earache, neck pain; eating disorders; headache; insomnia; and a sore or painful jaw.

Most people with bruxism (clenching and/or grinding) are not aware of the condition, and only about 5% develop symptoms that require treatment. Bruxism can have numerous causes, such as bite problems, stress, medical conditions, or certain medications.

Self Assessment Test for Bruxism (check all that apply to you):

• Are you told that you grind/clench your teeth while sleeping?
• Do you suffer from headaches or jaw pain?
• Have you had wear, damage, or fracture of teeth, fillings, or crowns?
• Do you feel occasional discomfort when chewing?
• Do you have a clicking jaw?
• Are your temples or jaw muscles tender when pressed?
• Do your teeth touch or make contact when you are not chewing?
• Do you wake up feeling tired and sleepless?
• While answering YES to any of the questions above improves your likelihood of causing damage to your teeth there are several options to treatment.
• Orthodontic correction of bite/tooth relation problems.
• Wearing an occlussal appliance such as a night guard or splint.
• Restoring vertical dimension through proper dental treatment.
• Seeing a TMD or myofascial pain specialist.

Dr. Butler will evaluate your bite and symptoms to advise you on which treatment option would best fit your needs. 

Information Resources: www.KnowYourTeeth.com, Academy of General Dentistry.