Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, gnashing or clenching your teeth. The condition affects both children and adults.

Bruxism the habit of tooth grinding, usually during sleep, often resulting in loose or worn teeth, gum recession, destruction of the supportive bone and TMJ disorders.

Some people with bruxism unconsciously clench their teeth together during the day, often when they feel anxious or tense. This is different from tooth grinding or clenching that occurs at night, which is called sleep bruxism. Most children who are bruxers do so at night, while adults are either daytime or nighttime bruxers.

Grinding your teeth while asleep is more of a problem since most people will grind their teeth much harder than they ever would while awake.

Bruxism Symptoms

• Jaw or facial pain and tenderness on awakening that lessens throughout the day.

• Headaches or earaches in the morning that go away as the day wears on.

• Spouse or sleep partner complains that the noise is keeping them awake at night.

• Teeth have become sensitive to cold, pressure, or other stimuli.

• Indentations on tongue.

• Tips of teeth appear flattened.