Teeth Grinding
Beating Bruxism
Teeth grinding (also called bruxism) is when you grind or clench your teeth together. Most sufferers do this subconsciously when they’re stressed, focussed, or even sleeping. Over time, it can cause severe damage to your teeth and further complications to your oral health.
Our team of professionals at Ashfield Dental Centre have years of experience in diagnosing and treating bruxism. When you visit our trusted dentists, you can rest assured that we’ll only recommend treatment options that are necessary and best for your individual case.
Seeking a diagnosis
It’s often easiest to bring up your concerns during your regular six month check-up. We can assess your concerns, help develop a plan to correct your problem and guide you through the treatment process. In the meantime, you can try to recognise when you’re grinding your teeth on your own and unclench them. It may also help to cut back on alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs as these can contribute to grinding your teeth.
Symptoms to watch
Since you generally aren’t aware of what you’re doing when you grind your teeth, a lot of people don’t realise they have a problem until it has severe consequences. Signs to look out for include:
- Waking up with a headache or jaw pain
- Indentations on your tongue
- Flattened, chipped or damaged teeth
- Teeth sensitivity/loss of enamel
- Noise when grinding that can be heard by others
Frequently asked questions
Common symptoms of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, include:
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Headaches, particularly in the morning
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Earache
- Disrupted sleep for yourself or your partner
- Tight or tired jaw muscles
- Indentations on the tongue or inside of the cheeks
You might be grinding your teeth at night if you experience morning headaches o jaw pain, sore or stiff jaw muscles in the morning, reports from your partner of grinding noises during the night, increased tooth sensitivity, or if you notice any damage to your teeth or dental work without a known cause. If you experience any of these concerns, you can book an appointment with a dentist in Ashfield for consultation.
Teeth grinding can lead to several risks and complications, including:
- Damage to teeth, crowns, or fillings
- Tooth loss or severe tooth wear
- Jaw disorders such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
- Chronic facial pain
- Headaches
- Gum recession or damage
- Sleep disruption for you and your partner
The dentists in Ashfield offer various treatment approaches for teeth grinding, including:
- Custom-made mouthguards or splints to protect your teeth during sleep
- Stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises or therapy
- Behavioural therapies to change habits that contribute to grinding
- Medications to reduce muscle activity or alleviate pain
- Dental corrections to repair any damage caused by grinding
Yes, several lifestyle changes can help reduce teeth grinding, including;
- Reducing stress through activities like exercise, yoga, or meditation
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening
- Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine
- Ensuring adequate sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
- Avoiding chewing on non-food items such as pens or pencils
There are three main types of mouthguards for teeth grinding:
- Custom-Made Mouthguards: Created by a dentist to fit your teeth precisely, offering the best protection and comfort.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: Available over-the-counter, these can be softened in hot water and then moulded to your teeth at home.
- Stock Mouthguards: Pre-formed and ready to wear, these are the least customisable and may not fit as well as custom-made options.
Yes, teeth grinding can affect your sleep quality by causing discomfort, pain, and waking you or your partner during the night. Chronic grinding can lead to fragmented sleep and reduce the overall quality of rest. The family dentists at Ashfield Dental Centre can help diagnose and treat teeth grinding.
Ashfield Dental Centre can improve your dental health by providing custom-made mouthguards designed specifically for your teeth. These mouthguards offer superior protection, fit comfortably, and help prevent damage caused by teeth grinding. Our team will assess your condition, take precise measurements, and create a mouthguard that effectively reduces the impact of teeth grinding, helping to preserve your oral health and improve your sleep quality.