If you brux you may not even know it. The majority of bruxing happens at night while people are asleep. They grind their teeth in their sleep. Often the only way they find out is when their dentist notices unnatural tooth wear, or when the person wakes with headaches and or face, jaw, or neck pain. If you grind habitually, your teeth and gums may also begin to ache. Don’t damage your teeth by bruxing. Take our quiz below to find out more.
Multiple Choice
1. You may be a bruxer if:
A. You experience facial or jaw pain
B. Your teeth are worn down
C. You’re experiencing tooth sensitivity
D. All of the above
2. If you are experiencing temporomandibular joint disorders it may be due to:
A. Bruxing
B. Trauma to the jaw
C. Malocclusion
D. All of the above
3. Bruxing can be treated by:
A. Restoring your worn down teeth
B. Orthodontic treatment
C. Wearing a mouth guard
D. All of the above
4. The number of Americans that brux is around:
A. 4 million
B. 14 million
C. 40 million
D. None of the above
Answers:
1. D: Bruxing can cause tooth sensitivity, jaw and facial pain, headaches, neck aches, worn teeth, chips or cracks, loose teeth, and more.
2. D: Bruxing can cause a host of jaw disorders due to the undue amounts of stress put on the teeth and jaw from continuous clenching and grinding.
3. D: Most treatments for bruxism are conservative. You may need to restore worn down teeth, you may need orthodontic treatment, but in most cases treatment consists of a custom-fit mouth guard fabricated from a soft, clear, plastic material. The mouth guard is worn at night and eliminates contact between your teeth protecting them from further wear, and helping to relieve symptoms.
4. C. It is estimated that about 40 million Americans brux–10 percent of the adult population and about 15 to 30 percent of children.
