Bruxism is a clinical term that is given to teeth grinding or clenching of the teeth. Usually, teeth come in contact with one another while eating or chewing food. However, bruxism is a parafunctional habit that a person usually develops as a protective reflex against anger, anxiety, or stress.
Mostly, a person with bruxism performs this activity during sleep. This is one of the reasons why people with bruxism may be unaware of their habits. Occasional teeth grinding doesn’t adversely affect the health of the teeth. However, grinding teeth regularly can extensively damage the tooth structure and increase the risk of jaw problems. Some of the common signs of bruxism include –
- Tooth wear or fracture
- Loosening of the tooth
- Scalloped tongue
- White ridges along the inner lining of the cheek
- Notches on the gum line
- Broken tooth fillings
