How Much Do You Know About Bruxism?
Are you clenching your teeth and don't even know it? Find out about bruxism (teeth clenching or grinding) by taking this quiz.
1. Bruxism in children is considered to be a behavioral disorder.
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In most cases, bruxism in children is a sleep disorder, but it may be linked to other causes. These include:
- Rett syndrome, a neurological and developmental disorder occurring mostly in girls
- Central nervous system-stimulating medicines such as those used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Temporomandibular disorders
- Stress
2. Most people with bruxism aren't aware that they grind their teeth.
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For most people, bruxism occurs when they are asleep and unaware of the grinding. But even if a person is unaware of the habit, a dentist or healthcare provider may suspect bruxism when noting abnormal wear on the teeth. If untreated, bruxism can cause tooth damage and jaw pain.
3. In adults, bruxism may be a symptom of an imbalanced diet.
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In adults, tooth grinding may be linked to tension, aggression, or anxiety.
4. Sometimes the noise from teeth grinding is so loud it can be heard across a room.
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A partner may complain of the grinding noise at night, particularly if it keeps them awake.
5. Highly sensitive teeth may be a symptom of bruxism.
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Other symptoms include abnormal tooth wear, jaw soreness, facial pain, and headache.
6. A person with bruxism may also suffer from sleep apnea.
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People who have bruxism often also have other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or snoring. They often feel tired after a night's sleep or have headaches in the morning.
7. A person with bruxism may also bite his or her nails.
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People with bruxism may also bite the inside of the cheek or chew on pencils.
8. One treatment for bruxism is a mouth guard.
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The mouth guard is useful at night, to keep the teeth from touching. Behavior-modification techniques can teach the person to relax the jaw and practice keeping the teeth apart while the lips are together.
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