Bruxism

Bruxism or teeth grinding or clenching, is something many people do when they become tense or stressed. If it happens every now and then it’s no real cause for alarm. But when it happens regularly it can lead to dental and oral health complications.

At Serenity Smiles Dental we have the skills and experience to help patients with bruxism in Epping, and protect their mouth from further damage.

Bruxism

Bruxism or teeth grinding or clenching, is something many people do when they become tense or stressed. If it happens every now and then it’s no real cause for alarm. But when it happens regularly it can lead to dental and oral health complications.

At Serenity Smiles Dental we have the skills and experience to help patients with bruxism in Epping, and protect their mouth from further damage.

Why Do We Grind Our Teeth?

The most damaging teeth grinding typically happens when we are asleep and it can be caused by different factors such as:

● crooked or missing teeth
● a misaligned bite
● a condition called sleep apnoea
● certain medications
● periods of sickness

A lot of children grind their teeth but most of them grow out of it by the time they are adults.

Because we’re asleep when it happens, most of us don’t even know that we are doing it. Sometimes it’s a partner who picks it up during the night. Some people may feel a slight headache in the mornings. If you visit your dentist regularly he or she is likely to see signs of wear in your mouth or tenderness in your jaw.

Some of the signs include:

● Tight or sore jaw muscles
● A headache at your temples
● Tooth sensitivity and worn tooth enamel
● Flat, chipped, fractured or loosened teeth

Why Is Bruxism Damaging?

Over a while, constant grinding can cause wear on your teeth. It can also loosen them or fracture them. Very severe grinding can result in tooth loss, damage your jaws and may even affect the balance of your face.

How Can Grinding Be Treated?

At Serenity Smiles Dental we can assist you with a custom-made mouth guard to wear at night, to reduce the wear and tear on your teeth. we will take a cast of your jaw and create a mouth guard that fits your unique shape.

This is a protective strategy and will not address the reason you are grinding and clenching. You may want to explore stress reduction methods or consider muscle relaxants to assist.

If the grinding is caused by a sleep disorder like sleep apnoea, this can be managed in conjunction with your dentist.

If the grinding is caused by misalignment or bite problems, there are various treatment options your dentist could help with, ranging from braces to jaw reconstruction.

Some other considerations for managing teeth grinding include
● Reducing your caffeine intake by limiting chocolate, coffee and cola drinks
● Revising your oral habits and stopping chewing gum, orbiting on things that are not food
● Avoid drinking alcohol and increase your water intake. Increased grinding has been linked to dehydration and alcohol consumption.
● Observe your habits during the day and watch when you clench your jaw out of stress. When this happens position your tongue in between your jaws so they do not make contact.

If you think you may have bruxism, take note of the symptoms you are experiencing so you can discuss them with your dentist.

The sooner you intervene, the better your chances of minimising damage to your teeth. Contact our friendly team today to find a convenient appointment to get treatment for teeth grinding in Epping . (02) 9158 6753