All About Bruxism: Warning Signs, Potential Complications, and Treatment Solutions

More commonly known as teeth grinding or clenching, bruxism is a condition that can affect your dental health without you even realizing it. Although it often happens when you’re asleep, it can also occur when you’re awake. If left unchecked, bruxism can lead to a variety of complications, ranging from tooth damage to jaw disorders. 

Don’t worry. At Chroma Dental in the Midtown East area of New York City, Yev Davydov, DDS, Brianna Davydov, DDS, and our dedicated team are here to cover the warning signs of bruxism, the potential complications, and treatment solutions that can help protect your teeth and overall well-being.

Let’s dive in! 

Warning signs of bruxism 

Bruxism can be tricky to identify because you might not even know that you grind your teeth, which is especially true if it happens while you’re sleeping. However, several tell-tale signs may indicate bruxism: 

Jaw pain or soreness 

Persistent jaw discomfort after waking up is a common symptom. 

Headaches 

Regular morning headaches, particularly near your temples, could result in night-time grinding. 

Tooth sensitivity 

Bruxism can wear down the enamel, making your teeth more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. 

Worn-down teeth

Flattened, chipped, or fractured teeth could be signs of prolonged grinding. 

Ear pain

Lastly, bruxism can lead to earaches without infection, as the pain often radiates from your jaw. 

Potential complications of bruxism 

Without proper treatment, bruxism can lead to more issues down the line. Here are a few potential complications to keep in mind so you can avoid them:

Tooth damage 

Grinding can wear down your teeth over time, making them more prone to chips, fractures, or even tooth loss in severe cases. 

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders 

Your jaw joint can become inflamed or misaligned, leading to pain and difficulty with jaw movement. 

Gum recession

Continuous pressure from clenching can contribute to gum recession, exposing your tooth roots and increasing the risk of decay. 

Chronic pain

Bruxism can cause ongoing discomfort in your face, neck, and shoulders due to the strain on your muscles. 

Sleep disruption

Grinding your teeth at night can disrupt your sleep quality, leaving you tired or irritable during the day. 

Treatment solutions for bruxism 

The good news is that several treatment solutions are available to help manage your bruxism symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Here are some solutions you can consider: 

Mouthguards

One of the most common solutions for bruxism is wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard while you sleep, which helps cushion your teeth and prevent grinding. 

Stress management

Since stress is a significant trigger for bruxism, techniques like meditation, yoga, or therapy can help reduce stress levels and minimize teeth grinding. 

Behavioral therapy 

Learning new habits, like relaxing your jaw and practicing better posture, can help prevent clenching during the day. 

Medication

In some cases, we may prescribe muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety medications to ease your jaw tension. 

Dental adjustments 

If your bruxism has caused significant damage, our dedicated team may recommend reshaping or repairing your teeth through bonding, crowns, or veneers. 

Bruxism is more than just an annoying habit — it’s a condition that can lead to significant dental and health issues if left untreated. By being aware of the warning signs and seeking treatment early, you can protect your teeth and prevent further complications while maintaining a healthy smile. 

If you’re concerned about teeth grinding, call our office at 646-933-8174 or click online to request an appointment today!