The most obvious bruxism symptom is the unattractive flattening of the upper front teeth. This flattening is common in older people and is very apparent when the patient smiles. Continued grinding causes severe shortening of the teeth and shortening of the patient's face. Another bruxism symptom shows up as the patient's face becomes shorter, the lips thin and shorten and the face looks older than the actual age of the patient.

          Grinding noises are a bruxism symptom. Some patients make a great deal of noise while bruxing and their spouses complain of not being able to sleep. In many cases, it is not the bruxism patient but the spouse that demands treatment.

          An early bruxism symptom is teeth that become sensitive to hot and cold. This occurs because of the flexing of the teeth that happens when they are ground from side to side. Teeth were not designed to flex so they begin to melt at the areas of bending right above the gums. This area can become very sensitive. Over time notches,called abfractions, can develop in the roots of these teeth and this can cause receding gums.

          Large bone bumps (torii) are a bruxism symptom. As the body attempts to strengthen the bone supporting the teeth that the patient grinds on bone bumps develop to support the jaw. Patients who grind often have temporal headaches due to the overworked chewing muscles. Sometimes they complain of dreams of losing their teeth. This is probably due to the brain incorporating the grinding pressures on the teeth while the patient sleeps into the dream that the patient is experiencing.

           A patient with bruxism places a great deal of pressure on the teeth using the beaver muscles,or masseters, which are located on both sides of the face. When a weight lifter lifts weights, his muscles grow. When a bruxism patient bruxes, the muscles on the side of the face grow large and change the shape of the patient's face. Another bruxism symptom is when the face begins looking more and more square with increasing larger jowls. Enlarged jowls can also be caused by bulimia.The enlarged masseters can press on the parotid glands and decrease the saliva production so that the bruxism patient can develop a dry mouth.

             Most patients who grind their teeth should consider having bruxism treatment. The treatment often varies with each patient. If you have bruxism symptoms and would like to consult with Dr. Padolsky, please make an appointment by calling 404-874-7428.