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Bruxism can bring many subsequent symptoms that are often not associated with teeth grinding. then a button "Learn more" and then

Symptoms and consequences of jaw clenching: How to recognize Bruxism. Bruxism refers to the unconscious clenching of the jaws, which can also involve lateral chewing movements and audible teeth grinding.

The following symptoms may indicate bruxism:

• local complaints of the temporomandibular joint
• headaches & migraines
• pain & restricted movement in the neck, shoulders & back

In many people, the grinding develops so gradually and chronically that they do not consciously perceive the symptoms or attribute them to other causes. Here, it is often the dentist or the partner disturbed by the nocturnal grinding noises who provides the crucial hint. Other people, however, experience significant distress and often visit several doctors to clarify their complaints until they receive a correct diagnosis.

Do these complaints sound familiar? The following text details the signs of unconscious teeth grinding and also discusses possible connections between bruxism and CMD or tinnitus. Pain in the dental-oral-jaw area are typical local complaints

The most clear-cut symptoms of bruxism focus on the directly affected structures: teeth, jaw including the temporomandibular joint, and chewing muscles. In addition, teeth grinding can also trigger other dental complaints that are harder to attribute. Damage to the teeth and loss of tooth substance

When teeth are repeatedly pressed and rubbed together with strong pressure, typical signs of wear become apparent, which are easily recognized by the dentist:

• excessively worn chewing surfaces with characteristic grinding facets
• broken enamel prisms in the neck of the tooth
• chipped tooth edges and/or veneers1

Complaints in the jaw area are among the most common symptoms

The enormous forces exerted during jaw clenching & teeth grinding can also strain and overload the temporomandibular joint. This can manifest as the following complaints:

• stiffness of the temporomandibular joint, esp. after waking up
• restricted jaw opening or mobility of the jaw
• clicking and grinding noises when opening the mouth and/or chewing
• pain in the temporomandibular joint, esp. when opening the mouth and/or chewing.2

Nonspecific symptoms in the dental-oral-jaw area

Besides these typical bruxism complaints, there are also other symptoms in the mouth area that are less clearly attributable:

• sensitive teeth
• failure of dental fillings and/or dental prostheses
• loosening of teeth and/or implants
• gum complaints, esp. gum recession
• tooth impressions or bite marks on the tongue and/or inside of the cheeks
• overdeveloped chewing muscles3

Here, in addition to the suspicion of bruxism, other possible causes should also be investigated, e.g., periodontitis for gum complaints and tooth loosening. Bruxism increases the risk of craniomandibular dysfunction

The term craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) describes "pain syndromes in the area of the chewing muscles and the temporomandibular joints," which are not to be viewed in isolation, but rather in the complex interplay of various musculoskeletal, dental, and neurogenic processes throughout the body.4 This topic is discussed in detail here: Craniomandibular Dysfunction (CMD).

The exact interaction between bruxism and CMD is not yet sufficiently researched. However, several studies suggest a connection between bruxism and CMD in the form of pain in the chewing muscles (myalgia).5 Nonspecific symptoms of bruxism often occur in the shoulder-neck area.

Bruxism not only manifests itself through local signs but can also cause nonspecific complaints in other body regions. People with muscle pain often initially consult orthopedists or physiotherapists, with tinnitus, they visit the ear doctor – and who thinks of a possible connection with teeth grinding when experiencing symptoms in the eyes? Headaches and migraine attacks can be signs of bruxism

Tension headaches and migraines can also result from bruxism. It is suspected that excessive activity of the chewing muscles activates trigger points and/or irritates nerve endings (nociceptors), leading to tension headaches and/or migraines.6

A detailed presentation can be found here: Headaches & Migraine Due to Bruxism. Frequent tension and pain in the neck area also occur

Jaw clenching & teeth grinding can also lead to tension in adjacent body regions. Especially, neck pain is among the most common accompaniments of bruxism.7

Learn more here: Neck Pain Due to Bruxism. Restrictions and complaints in the shoulders

Shoulder pain can also be a sign of bruxism; in some people, it extends in the interplay of the musculoskeletal system into the back.

More information: Shoulder Pain Due to Bruxism. The connection between tinnitus and bruxism

Tinnitus refers to "an ear noise without informational content, which arises without an external sound source." Such ear noises can manifest as ringing, humming or whistling, hissing, rushing, or knocking – especially older people are often affected, men more so than women.8

Tinnitus patients are often also diagnosed with bruxism or muscle tension in the jaw-chewing musculature. Given this comorbidity, leading professional associations recommend including a dental-functional diagnostic examination in tinnitus diagnostics to clarify the presence of craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD).9

Whether and how tinnitus and bruxism are related is not yet clearly defined according to current research. Given the proximity of the temporomandibular joint and the inner ear, an interaction would not be surprising:

Studies show that tinnitus patients can influence the ear noises by clenching their jaws and/or changing the jaw position.10

The German Tinnitus League e.V. refers to reports of experiences that indicate a connection between ear noises and longer dental work with the mouth widely opened, possibly also the insertion of prosthetic solutions.11

A literature review on dental therapy options for somatic tinnitus draws a quite positive conclusion: In many cases, treating craniomandibular functional disorders (CMD) has a positive effect on tinnitus.12

When do the symptoms of bruxism usually occur?

The occurrence of bruxism-related pain and movement restrictions in the area of the temporomandibular joint, head, neck, and shoulders typically correlates with the type and intensity of bruxism episodes.

In awake bruxism, i.e., unconscious jaw clenching & teeth grinding during the day, complaints increase throughout the day, possibly further intensified by stress-triggering events.

In sleep bruxism, complaints usually appear in the morning after waking up; however, they can also cause sleep interruption and ultimately lead to sleep disorders at night.13

Treat bruxism with bruXane – the bite guard with biofeedback

In the treatment of bruxism, so-called ‘grinding guards’ are often used: Although they protect the tooth surface from further abrasion, they cannot prevent the teeth grinding itself. What types of guards exist and when additional psychological treatment may be useful can be read here: How to treat bruxism?

bruXane is an advancement of the classic bite guard: It not only offers mechanical protection for your teeth but can also measurably reduce bruxism episodes through integrated biofeedback technology – on average by 75%. This usually also noticeably alleviates the symptoms associated with nocturnal teeth grinding.14

Read here what biofeedback is & how it works or take a closer look at the bruXane guards.