Describe the features of bruxism.?

Bruxism: Bruxism refers to grinding your teeth at night while you are asleep. The patient is not aware of this because he/she is asleep, but often wakes with an ache in the jaw and pain on opening mouth. A sleeping partner will usually hear the grinding of the teeth. Over time the tip of the enamel on the front teeth will get worn down.

Bruxism: Bruxism can occur while asleep or awake. Sleep bruxism is a sleep related movement disorder similar to other movement disorders during sleep. The movements are very similar to a rudimentory chewing pattern. Sleep bruxism occurs when going from deep sleep into lighter sleep in association with arousals. Signs of bruxism include enlarged masseter musclesa nd scalloping of tongue borders.

See a TMJ/TMD Dr.: Someone may grind their teeth for a number of reasons. Often, the problem occurs because the muscles of the face and jaw are trying to get the teeth in a comfortable position. The muscles may be in spasm, you may have a tmj/tmd problem, stress, infection. Best to see a dentist asap. Often thew cause is difficult to determine, so may have to treat the symptoms with a mouthpiece.