Teeth Grinding
Teeth Grinding Treatment at Berwick Dental Clinic & Surgery
Teeth clenching and grinding, medically known as bruxism, can lead to a range of dental issues, including tooth damage, jaw pain, and headaches. The causes of this condition are multifaceted and understanding them is key to effective treatment.
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The Signs That You’re Grinding Your Teeth
You usually grind your teeth in nighttime hours while you’re sleeping, so most people don’t know that they do it unless their partner informs them of the noise. The signs that you might be grinding your teeth include:
Chipped teeth
Cracked teeth
Cracking and popping in the jaw
Ear pain
Facial pain
Frequent and severe headaches
Jaw pain
Worn-down teeth
The Danger of Untreated Teeth Grinding
You may be tempted to ignore the problem if you don’t feel you have any of the above symptoms. If you continue grinding your teeth, however, your oral health and wellbeing will be affected. The enamel of your teeth will be damaged, leading to broken teeth and an enormous strain on your jaw joint. If left untreated, your oral health will be permanently damaged.
A Nightguard to Protect Your Teeth
The most commonly prescribed solution to address teeth grinding is called a nightguard. It is a plastic device that resembles a retainer. It’s custom-created for you, making it snug-fitting to allow you to sleep comfortably. Your mouthguard will prevent your teeth from meeting so that you can’t grind and cause damage.
Grinding and Clenching: Understanding the Causes and Differences
Teeth grinding and clenching, collectively known as bruxism, is a common but often overlooked issue that can lead to major damage to your teeth and various oral health problems if left untreated. Understanding the nuances between these two actions is key to identifying and effectively managing this condition.
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, involves a forceful back-and-forth or side-to-side movement of your upper and lower teeth against each other. This action often occurs unconsciously, typically during sleep, making it difficult for individuals to be aware of their condition without telltale symptoms or a partner’s observation. Over time, teeth grinding can cause your tooth enamel to degrade, leading to increased tooth sensitivity, and even cause chipping or fracturing of the teeth.
On the other hand, teeth clenching involves holding your teeth together while tightening your jaw muscles for prolonged periods. This action can occur both consciously and subconsciously, during the day or night. Chronic clenching can lead to jaw discomfort, headaches, facial pain, and in severe cases, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD).
While both grinding and clenching can occur during waking hours, often linked to stress or anxiety, nighttime grinding and clenching can be particularly problematic. This is especially true when associated with sleep disorders like sleep apnoea. Nighttime bruxism can be more challenging to control due to the unconscious nature of the action and the added complexity of addressing the underlying sleep disorder.
At Berwick Dental Clinic, we’re committed to helping our patients identify and manage bruxism effectively. We provide comprehensive consultations and offer a range of treatment options, including custom-made night guards, stress management techniques, and referrals to sleep specialists when necessary. Our goal is to not only protect your teeth and jaw from the damaging impacts of grinding and clenching but also to improve your overall oral health and quality of life.
Unravelling the Reasons Behind Teeth Clenching and Grinding
Stress and anxiety are among the most common triggers. During periods of high tension or concentration, the brain activates the “fight/flight” response, which often leads to involuntary teeth grinding or clenching. This is particularly prevalent during sleep, when the conscious control of these actions is diminished.
Moreover, physical factors can contribute to bruxism.These include:
Abnormal Bite or Misaligned Teeth:
If your teeth don’t fit together correctly, it can lead to unconscious grinding or clenching, especially during sleep.
Medical Conditions:
Certain conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease, and depression can increase the likelihood of bruxism.
Medications:
Some types of medication, particularly certain types of antidepressants, can cause teeth grinding as a side effect.
Sleep Disorders:
Conditions like sleep apnoea and insomnia are often associated with increased teeth grinding and clenching.
Chronic Pain Conditions:
People suffering from chronic pain conditions may unconsciously clench their teeth as a coping mechanism.
At Berwick Dental Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to treating bruxism. As a leading provider of solutions for teeth clenching and grinding in Berwick, our first step is to identify the root cause of your bruxism. This allows us to tailor a treatment plan that addresses the underlying issue, rather than just managing the symptoms. Our aim is to provide long-term relief and prevent further dental complications, helping you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile.
Putting an End to Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Effective Solutions
At Berwick Dental Clinic, we offer comprehensive solutions to address teeth grinding and clenching. Our approach is not just about providing temporary relief, but finding and treating the underlying cause of your bruxism. We explore psychological aspects through counselling and stress management techniques like deep breathing, yoga, and exercise to help reduce instances of grinding and clenching.
From a physical perspective, restorative treatments such as dental crowns, veneers, or dental implants may be necessary for cases where teeth are severely worn down. Short term medication might be used to temporarily relieve muscular pain from grinding or TMJ. We also provide custom-made mouthguards or occlusal splints to protect your teeth during sleep.
For those whose bruxism is linked to snoring or sleep apnoea, a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) may be recommended. This device not only protects your teeth but also opens up your airway, managing your snoring and sleep apnoea.
By offering a multi-faceted approach to treating clenching and grinding in Berwick, we aim to improve not just your dental health, but your overall well being. If you’re concerned about teeth grinding or clenching, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Berwick Dental Clinic. Our experienced team is here to help you find the best solution for your specific needs.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Are you overdue for a dental checkup? Our experienced team is here for you. Contact Berwick Dental today to book a visit for general dentistry Berwick! We accept all health funds and are preferred providers for HCF.
