5 Common Symptoms of Bruxism

Many people in Queens who exhibit bruxism--- abnormal tooth grinding or jaw clenching--- may not realize that they have this problem. Bruxism can occur either during sleep, or during wakefulness. When bruxism occurs while the person is asleep, they are not aware of the behavior at all. Even when the person clenches their jaw while awake, it isn’t usually something the person is always fully aware of. Although especially in sleep bruxism, it may be difficult or impossible for a person in Queens to catch themselves in the act in order to realize that they have bruxism, these five common symptoms of bruxism can indicate that it is a problem. 

#1: Excessive Tooth Wear

Problems with wear and tear on a person’s teeth can be symptoms of bruxism in Queens. A common tooth problem attributable to bruxism is attrition of the teeth. This means that the structure of the teeth becomes compromised due to the force of the opposing teeth due to the person grinding their teeth together. The enamel is affected first, but in later stages the softer dentin material can also be damaged. In some cases, tooth fractures or damage to crowns or fillings can also be symptoms of Bruxism. 

#2: Hypersensitive Teeth

Hypersensitivity of the teeth is also among the dental symptoms of bruxism that can occur in Queens. The dental pain tends to be sharp and of short duration, and occurs when dentin surfaces become exposed because enamel has been worn away. The most common trigger of tooth pains that are symptoms is coldness, such as pain when drinking a cold beverage. 

#3: Increase in Jaw Muscle Size

Hypertrophy, or increased size, of the masseter muscle of the jaw is also among the symptoms of bruxism that can sometimes be found in Queens. Jaw clenching strengthens the muscles over time, sometimes leading to increased muscle size that can sometimes visibly alter the shape of the person’s face by making the jaw more “square” in shape. 

#4: Pain or Tenderness of the Jaw Joints and Jaw Muscles

Tooth grinding and jaw clenching can cause fatigue in the muscles, as well as temporomandibular joint tenderness. Jaw pain is among the common symptoms of bruxism, and unexplained soreness and joint pain in the jaw and chewing muscles can be a sign that bruxism is occurring. Pain can also sometimes be referred to the ear, which is close to the structures of the jaw. 

#5: Headaches

Headaches can often be symptoms of bruxism in Queens, especially if the pain is in the area of the temples. These headaches are generally caused by pain and tension in the temporalis muscle, one of the facial muscles used in chewing.

NEUROFEEDBACK IN NEW YORK: BRUXISM

Risk Factors for Bruxism in Queens

Many people in Queens struggle with bruxism--- repetitive grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw. Bruxism often occurs during sleep, and even in awake bruxism the person may not be fully aware that they are doing it. The exact causes of bruxism are still largely unclear, although sleep bruxism is widely recognized as probably having different underlying causes than awake bruxism. Sleep bruxism in Queens may be caused by neurotransmitter abnormalities in the central nervous system, whereas awake bruxism is more strongly associated with stress, anxiety, and other psychosocial factors. Although no one is entirely sure what causes bruxism, there is some evidence that certain factors might predispose someone toward being more likely to develop bruxism.

Bruxism Risk Factors

There are a number of risk factors that have been correlated with an increased risk of bruxism in Queens, based on research and statistical studies.

·         Anxiety and stress. Bruxism in Queens, especially awake bruxism, is often tied to stress. An underlying anxiety disorder or a stressful lifestyle can increase the risk of bruxism developing. Bruxism can also be intensified by sudden stressful life events, such as bereavement or unemployment. Although the role of stress in sleep bruxism is not as well understood, it remains a possible contributing factor.

·         Personality type. People with certain types of personality are more likely to develop bruxism. Specifically, a particularly aggressive, competitive, or hyperactive personality has been linked to increased bruxism risk. Some studies suggest that suppressing anger and frustration can also lead to bruxism.

·         Tobacco use. Nicotine, a stimulant that is the active ingredient in cigarettes and other tobacco products, has been linked to bruxism. This is likely to be because nicotine stimulates dopamine release.

·         Use of prescription or recreational stimulants. Prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin, as well as recreational stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, can cause bruxism as a side effect, especially in higher doses.

·         Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Bruxism can occur as a relatively rare side effect of SSRIs, and generally subsides when the drug is discontinued.

·         Caffeine consumption. Like nicotine, caffeine stimulates dopamine release, and can exacerbate or cause bruxism.

·         Age and sex. Bruxism in Queens is most likely to occur in people under 40, and is more likely to occur in women than in men. A prime demographic for bruxism is women aged 27-40.

·         Facial or oral trauma may be a factor that can spur the onset of bruxism.

·         Abnormal alignment of teeth or jaws. Abnormalities in the relative size and positioning of the teeth or jaws can affect occlusion, or the way in which teeth fit together. Dental problems like an over-erupted wisdom tooth can interfere with occlusion. This does not always lead to bruxism, but in some cases malocclusion may be a precipitating factor in the development of bruxism, as opposed to being a symptom caused by bruxism.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR BRUXISM IN NEW YORK