What is BruxismAnd why treatment is necessary?
Have you been waking up with headaches or a sore jaw? Has your partner mentioned you grinding your teeth in your sleep? These are just some of the side effects of bruxism that we encounter regularly.
Excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth can lead to excessive wear on the teeth and may result in permanent damage to the teeth and jaw joints. If left untreated, grinding can damage dental restorations, such as fillings, loosen teeth, cause damage to the temporomandibular joints, and even crack or fracture teeth.
Speak to our friendly dentist about a mouth guard for grinding teeth.
What causes BruxismAnd how do you know if you’re doing it?
Bruxism is caused by a combination of physical and psychological factors, including stress, anxiety and tension, as well as sleep apnoea, abnormal bite, and/or crooked and missing teeth. Night bruxism or teeth grinding in your sleep in particular, is a sleep disorder that may be related to sleep apnoea.
Teeth grinding and clenching can occur during the day or at night when asleep. People who grind or clench their teeth may not even be aware that they are doing it in their sleep.
Common signs and symptoms of bruxism
- Headaches, jaw joint and/or ear pain
- Aching teeth, particularly when waking up
- Aching or stiffness of jaw and face muscles after waking up
- Aching or stiffness in the jaw when eating or chewing, particularly during breakfast
- Clenching the jaw when angry, anxious or concentrating
- Sensitive teeth to hot and cold temperatures
- Cracked teeth or enamel
What areThe treatment options for bruxism?
Wondering how to stop bruxism? Based on your oral examination conducted by one of our friendly dentists,
we will recommend one or more treatments.
Mouthguards
We may suggest a custom-fitted bruxism mouth guard or night guard to help relieve some of the pressure of grinding and clenching while sleeping, and ultimately reduce wear on your teeth.
Dental procedures
Improper bites may require dental treatments such as inlays or crowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other ways to treat and manage bruxism include:
- If stress is the leading cause of your bruxism, it may be helpful to find ways to relax, such as listening to music, deep breathing, or meditation.
- Stress management therapy
- Regular exercise
- Practice good sleep habits
- Schedule regular dental checkups
You may have noticed the sound of your child grinding their teeth at some point, more so when they are asleep. However, because children’s teeth and jaws are constantly changing and growing so quickly, it’s usually not a damaging habit that requires treatment.
Regular dental checkups every 6 months is the best management of teeth grinding in children and helps prevent future risks and dental health issues.
Are you putting up with the inconvenience of a missing tooth?
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Do you want to discuss this with us?
From providing preventative check-ups to emergency care, our dentists and team offer outstanding care. If you’d like to find out more about sedation and sleep dentistry please contact our practice today!
