Teeth grinding, also referred to as bruxism, is an involuntary clenching, gnashing and grinding of the teeth. There are various reasons a person grinds or clenches their teeth. Medical researchers say that there are many factors involved in this involuntary action and that it can lead to serious dental and medical consequences.
Bruxism can cause pain in the jaw, stressed muscles and headache. Bruxism generally happens during sleep; however, some people experience it even when they are awake. Because of the pressure that grinding puts on the teeth, it’s often recommended that people with bruxism wear a night splint.
Causes of Teeth Grinding
- Difficulty in managing stress
- Anger and frustration
- Aggressive personality
- Nervous tension
- Sleeping habits
- Posture
- Diet
Signs that You Grind Your Teeth
If you suffer from bruxism, the biting surfaces of your teeth begin to become flat and eventually become extremely worn down. This exposes the teeth’s dentine, the layer beneath the enamel.
Exposed dentine causes your teeth to become highly sensitive. People who grind their teeth may also experience inflammation on their temporomandibular joint, which can lead to cracking or ticking of the jaw. Other symptoms include tongue indentations, headache, earache and insomnia.
Splints and Nightguards
If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend wearing a night splint. The acrylic nightguard or splint, which is similar to sport mouthguards but much finer, will prevent the further damage to your tooth enamel and gums caused by grinding and clenching. The night splint will reposition your jaw into its correct alignment so your muscles can relax while you’re sleeping.
A Solution to Teeth Grinding Solution at Smart Smile Dental
Teeth grinding can put the health of your teeth and gums at long-term risk. If left untreated, it can result in more serious consequences. For comprehensive solutions for teeth grinding, visit your trusted dentist in Deer Park here at Smart Smile Dental. If you think you are suffering from bruxism, consult our team as soon as you can. We have the solutions for all your dental and oral health concerns and only use the best treatments that modern dentistry has to offer.
At Smart Smile Dental in Deer Park, our goal is to make quality dental care affordable. We encourage you to take advantage of our latest offers.
To find out more, visit our special offers page or contact us now on (03) 8390 5778 or make an appointment online.