Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate bruxism:

Pathognomonic (indicative of a disease).

  • Visible damage and wear to the teeth (non-carious related).

Main symptoms

  • Pain
    • Of the teeth
    • Of the chewing muscles
    • In the temporomandibular joints
    • The neck muscles
    • Headache
    • Possibly back pain
  • Difficulty opening the mouth when waking up
  • Jaw cracking, noise
  • Hypersensitivity of the teeth
  • Tooth mobility (without periodontal problems).
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Not restful sleep → fatigue
  • Loss of restorative materials (glass ionomer and composites).