Symptoms of Bruxism(Teeth Grinding)
Many people are unaware that teeth grinding is a medical condition that has serious consequences. Unfortunately, most sufferers are unaware that they have the condition unless someone who lives closely with them tells them. There are many signs and symptoms that can indicate you have bruxism. The main symptoms are the following:

1. Intense grinding of teeth with loud and audible noises – This is usually the first and most obvious sign that a child, partner or other family member has bruxism. It happens normally during sleep without the person being aware that they are grinding their teeth. It can be so loud that their partner/spouse is awakened. Often a partner or parent becomes aware of bruxism in a sleeper before the sleeper does.

2. Flattened, worn down, fractured or chipped teeth – The first health consequence of teeth grinding is the effect it has on the mouth area. The teeth can become worn down and flattened and the enamel cracked ( tooth enamel is the hard layer on the surface of the teeth).

3. Teeth sensitivity – Another problem that can arise due to teeth grinding is sensitivity. The pain can be felt in the gums as well as the teeth when eating or drinking anything cold or hot. If your teeth are unusually sensitive to heat and cold, it could be because the enamel on the surface of the teeth has worn away.

4. Pain and tightness in your facial muscles and jaw – As well as damage and pain in the mouth area, the jaws and facial muscles can be affected. Tension is the main cause as the jaws and muscles are constantly moved and stretched during teeth grinding episodes.

5. Earaches, headaches and migraines – Earaches and headaches can be brought on by the tension caused from grinding teeth. Similarly, research has shown migraine headaches may be a consequence of muscle tension.

6. Cheek tissue damage – Cheek tissue damage is another complication that can arise. This normally occurs during sleep and most often when the head is in a sideway angle.

7. Bite damage to inside of cheek – In addition, it is common during teeth grinding to sustain bite damage to the inside of the cheek and bite marks can also appear on the tongue.