Teeth grinding (bruxism) is known to be a condition whereby you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. This condition commonly occurs when a person is asleep (sleep bruxism), however, it can also happen during the day.
What can cause a person to grind their teeth?
Researchers have discovered that physical, psycological and genetic factors can cause people to grind their teeth. Each case it unique, and factors that cause grinding include stress, anxiety, hyperactivity during sleep or lifestyle choices (like alcohol, smoking and caffeine).
What are the harmful side effects of teeth grinding?
Side-effects include:
- Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
- Damage on the inside of your cheeks
- Headaches and/or earaches
- Sleep disruption
- Chipped, worn down, flattened or fractured teeth
- Locked jaw that won’t close open or close completely
Why should I treat my teeth grinding?
Prolonged bruxism can lead to the loosening, fracturing or loss of teeth. Some patients can grind their teeth down to stumps which require cosmetic dentistry intervention. If left untreated, teeth grinding can also lead to problems with your jaw and facial muscles that can affect your aesthetics.
How can we treat teeth grinding?
- Smile rehabilitation: We restore the natural aesthetic and functional aspect of your teeth when prolonged tooth wear has occurred. To achieve this we use porcelain crown and bridges, custom-fit porcelain veneers, clear aligner treatment and composite fillings for minor chips.
- Night Guard: Our team will provide you with a custom-made night guard that will help relieve the tension and tooth wear caused by teeth grinding that occurs during the night. The fitment with the guard will be completed in the initial consultation and received once the tech lab has completed the mould.
- Neurotoxin injections: Some of the causes of teeth grinding or jaw clenching can be resolved by Neurotoxin injections. This injection can help relax muscles in the jaw that contribute to the pain. This method is normally advised to be applied together with the mouth guard.
It’s time to book!
If you experience the above-mentioned symptoms, we encourage you to book a consult with one of our team members.
