What is tooth grinding or bruxism?

Bruxism, also known as tooth grinding or clenching, is a common problem that affects many of us at different stages throughout our lives. Teeth grinding is often stress related, however an alteration to the bite of the teeth after a large filling or a traumatic injury to the jaw, can cause bruxism and lead to the classic symptoms of this condition.

Sometimes the pain associated with teeth grinding can be confused with wisdom tooth pain. Although tooth grinding can occur during the day, it usually occurs whilst you are asleep. At Summertown Dental & Implants in Oxford, we offer treatments for bruxism.

Teeth grinding symptoms include:

• Biting surfaces of the teeth becoming worn
• Tension and tenderness in the muscles surrounding the jaw
• Waking in the morning with a headache or neck or jaw pain
• Disturbed sleep