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.
It's Easter time and with that comes a likely increase in the consumption of sugary sweets. Despite the temptation to indulge, it's important to remember to look after your teeth so we've put together a few tips to keep in mind this Easter.
It's winter sport time! By utilising a mouthguard this winter, individuals can focus on their performance without worrying about potential dental injuries.
As parents, we want the best for our children, this includes wanting the best for their oral health. Understanding the development of children's teeth, how to properly care for them, and how to handle tooth pain are essential aspects of ensuring a bright and healthy smile for our little ones. In this guide, we will explore these topics and provide you with valuable insights to keep your child's teeth in tip-top shape.