Bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding is the unconscious, involuntary grinding of the teeth. Bruxism can happen while awake or asleep, with night grinding opposing more concern due to the person has no conscious control over these actions.
Elevated stress and anxiety are most common risk factors associated with grinding and clenching.
Bruxism can be hard to recognise by yourself until your teeth show the effects.
Such as;
- Enamel wear and fractures
- Broken teeth, crowns & veneers
- Changes in tooth alignment
- Temporomandibular joint disorder
Signs and Symptoms can include;
- Dull headaches
- Neck, shoulder, jaw, and back pain
- Popping or clicking jaw
- Earaches
- Temperature sensitive teeth
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for bruxism, as the best course of treatment will depend on the underlying cause. While you can’t remove every source of stress from your life, a common treatment is an occlusal night splint. This is a custom-made splint that is worn over the teeth to protect them from grinding and clenching while you sleep.
If you suffer from any of the above symptoms or would like to discuss any concerns you may have, please phone our reception team on 07 55202277 for a consult today.