Buxism is the official name for grinding your teeth while sleeping. Surprisingly, it occurs in more people than you might think. It occurs in up to 17 percent of children, and affects both sexes the same.

Although the most noticeable indication of teeth grinding is an extensive wearing of the teeth, some sufferers have other symptoms, such as headaches, jaw pain, earaches, and even facial pain. When teeth get worn down too far, you may experience tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming very cold foods or beverages. Over time, some people may develop a indentation on their tongue.

According to a CNN report, another condition can be added to the list. It can be a sign of interrupted sleep, namely obstructive sleep apnea.

In some cases, people who have heightened anxiety and stress -- often people with Type A personalities -- may be more disposed to teeth grinding.

If you suspect you are a teeth grinder, see your dentist. A fitted night guard may be all that you need. Because they can be fairly expensive, your dental insurance may cover a custom fitted night guard. However, if you don't have dental insurance, your dentist may be able to recommend an over-the-counter mouth guard product that you can self-fit to your teeth and mouth.

However, if you are experiencing more disruptive conditions, such as daytime drowsiness and headaches, you may need to be evaluated by a sleep specialist for the presence of a sleep disorders. Sleep disorders can be diagnosed through a non-invasive overnight sleep evaluation.