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If you suffer from teeth grinding, then you’re certainly not alone. Around 5% of all Australians are regular teeth grinders. Yet, most don’t realise they do it because it often occurs at night during sleep. If you frequently wake up with a sore jaw and a headache, there’s a chance that you may be suffering from teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism.
What Is Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding, otherwise known as Bruxism, refers to frequent clenching and grinding of the teeth which can occur at any time of the day but typically occurs at night. Without Bruxism treatment, patients are at risk of the following dental health problems:
- Enamel erosion
- Long-term facial pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Fractured teeth
- Temporomandibular Joint Disease (TMD)
Rather than simply fixing your teeth, our caring dentists will look at the bigger picture to help you manage your condition holistically.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Patients regularly ask us this question but unfortunately, there is no simple answer. While it’s suggested that stress, anxiety and even concentration may be contributing factors for daytime Bruxism, this isn’t the case for everyone, and teeth grinding may still continue when a person is feeling calm and relaxed.
Other conditions such as sleep Apnoea and Hyperactivity have been strongly linked to teeth grinding. Patients should also know that certain medications and misaligned teeth can cause Bruxism. Smoking, drug use and an excess of caffeine also increase the risk of teeth grinding.
Every patient and every case is different which is why our Dentists try to determine if the cause is genetic, physical or psychological.
Bruxism Treatment At Our Dental Clinic
One of the recommended treatments for teeth grinding is to wear a custom mouthguard over the upper teeth at night while you sleep. While this won’t put a stop to clenching and grinding, it prevents the teeth from coming together. So rather than wear out the tooth enamel, the custom mouthguard takes a hit.
Other treatments include:
- Orthodontics for misaligned teeth
- Lowering raised fillings
- Muscle relaxant injections into the jaw that ‘freeze’ the muscles used for teeth grinding
Is It Time To Have Your Teeth Checked?
If you suspect you suffer from teeth grinding, our Dentists can help. Why not book a consultation to discuss your issues and treatment options. Book an appointment with Beyond Dental Care today.
Other Treatments For Teeth Grinding
Your teeth may be rubbing together because of misalignment. Where this is the case, we can provide orthodontic treatment to straighten your smile using Invisalign® or SureSmile clear aligners.
Other activities that may alleviate teeth grinding include exercising and taking a warm bath before bed to de-stress. If your problems are psychological, speaking to a counsellor may also benefit you. Get in touch today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
