Diagnosis of Bruxism(Teeth Grinding)
If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, see your dentist. He or she can determine if you are a bruxer and how best to treat it.

Your dentist will ask about your general dental health, what sources of stress you have in your life, and what medicines you take. If you share your bedroom, the dentist also may want to talk to that person. The dentist will ask about your sleep habits, especially about any unusual grinding sounds heard during the night.

Your dentist will examine you, paying special attention to the muscles in and around your jaw. The dentist also will look at your teeth for evidence of grinding. During this examination, your dentist will check for tenderness in your jaw muscles and the jaw joint. He or she also will look for broken teeth, missing teeth and poor tooth alignment.

A more detailed exam may follow if your dentist suspects that your bruxism is related to dental problems. In addition to checking your "bite," (how your upper and lower teeth come together) the dentist will examine your teeth and gums for damage caused by bruxism. Your dentist might also take X-rays of your teeth and jaws.

About 30% of children grind or clench their teeth. The rate is highest in children under age 5. If your child grinds or clenches his or her teeth, discuss the problem with your family dentist. Most children eventually outgrow bruxism and suffer no permanent damage to their teeth.