Bruxism (Habitual Grinding of Teeth)
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| • | People with emotionally stressed personalities characterized as being aggressive, controlling, precise, or having time urgency and achievement compulsion, tend to develop bruxism malocclusion (teeth that are not aligned properly). |
| • | Children whose parents brux are more likely to develop this habit than children whose parents do not brux. |
| • | tooth wear |
| • | fractures of the teeth and fillings
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| • | grinding noise noticed by a sleeping partner |
| • | facial muscle pain and fatigue |
| • | locking, cracking, and clicking of the jaws |
| • | headaches |
| • | tooth mobility |
| • | sensitive teeth |
Have you ever been told that you grind your teeth? Tooth grinding (bruxism) is an oral habit which involves clenching and grinding of the teeth. It is not uncommon in our society. Approximately 50% to 96% of adults experience bruxism and 15% of children acquire this behavior. Most often, this habit goes unnoticed by the person. Bruxism can occur during the day or night.
