Grinding your teeth, also known as Bruxism, is the involuntary clenching, grinding and gnashing of the teeth. Learn all about teeth grinding, including the symptoms, risk factors and treatment options below.
Grinding your teeth, also known as Bruxism, is the involuntary clenching, grinding and gnashing of the teeth. It often happens when you are asleep, but some people also grind their teeth when they’re awake. Many people may not be aware that they grind their teeth whilst sleeping, usually it is a parent or partner that may hear, or symptoms start to emerge. It can lead to teeth becoming worn and may cause damage to teeth and jaw joints.
Signs and symptoms of teeth grinding may include:
Causes for teeth grinding can be related to both physical and psychological stressors.
Your dentist can help to assess the influence of these factors.
If you think you grind your teeth, speak with your dentist. They will look at your teeth and talk about possible treatment options such as:
Your dentist may suggest an occlusal splint sometimes referred to as a night guard, night mouthguard or bite splint. It works to protect the teeth from the effects of grinding when sleeping and decrease other symptoms such as discomfort in the muscles and jaw joint. It is made from a hard plastic that fits over your teeth.
Each splint is custom made by your dentist to suit your individual needs.
Teeth grinding is a very common condition but is important to treat to prevent further dental complications. Please speak to our Smile Place Dental team if you are concerned about teeth grinding or have any further questions.
In general, the recommendation is that you should change your toothbrush every three to four months to maintain a consistent level of oral hygiene. But for many of us, we hardly keep track of when we last changed our toothbrush. Before you realise it, months have passed and your toothbrush starts looking a little worn. […]
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding, clenching, and gnashing of the teeth. It can cause issues with your teeth and jaw. This condition usually affects people when they are sleeping, however, it can also happen when you are awake.
Whether it's toothbrushing techniques or the need for regular dental visits, it's important to encourage kids to understand the importance of dental care and prioritise their own teeth cleaning. With the right approach and consistent practice, you can ensure your child continues to have good dental hygiene for the long-term!