Teeth Grinding
Do you often find yourself waking up with headaches? Or, do you notice your jaw is tightly clenched even during the day?
Chronic grinding and gritting your teeth is a condition known as bruxism. It’s often due to stress and may happen while you’re asleep and unable to do anything about it.
While grinding teeth is quite common, when left untreated, this consistent tension and grinding of the teeth can lead to cumulative damage like:
- TMJ disorder
- Jaw pain
- Migraine headaches
- Flat, chipped or worn teeth
- Broken dental work
- Muscle tension throughout the face, neck and shoulders
- Limited range of motion in the TMJ
- Difficulty eating
- Tinnitus (ringing ears)
Treatments for Grinding
Much of the muscle contraction due to bruxism is attributed to stress and habits. Since neither of these is easy to rid yourself of, talking to our dentists is a great place to start. We may recommend a treatment or combination of therapies such as:
Bite splints and deprogrammers — Adjust the way your jaw is positioned when in a resting state, preventing it from fully engaging and tensing the muscles.
Neuromuscular treatments — These therapies include adjusting the way your teeth fit together for optimal comfort and performance.
Muscle relaxants — These medications are prescribed to decrease tension in the tissues throughout your face and surrounding your TMJ.
Physical therapy or massage — As with other parts of your body that may be overworked or function atypically, these nonsurgical resources can be beneficial.
Sleep apnoea treatment — Bruxism and worn teeth may be a red flag that you’re currently suffering from a sleeping disorder.
A Splint Made for Your Teeth, Not Someone Else’s
If grinding is affecting your sleep or leaving you with a sore jaw each morning, a custom bite splint may be worth discussing with our dentist. A splint is a removable appliance worn over your teeth, usually at night. It sits between the upper and lower teeth to help cushion the effects of grinding and may help reduce strain on your jaw joints and surrounding muscles..
Custom-made splints are designed to fit your bite using precise measurements taken at Dental Health Plus. A personalised fit can feel more comfortable and may support regular use. Over-the-counter options may seem convenient, but an ill-fitting splint can place additional pressure on your jaw or feel uncomfortable to wear.
This option may be worth exploring if you:
- Wake with jaw pain, headaches, or facial soreness
- Have been told you grind or clench in your sleep
- Notice worn, chipped, or flattened teeth
- Experience regular tension in your jaw or temples
To find out whether a custom splint may be suitable for you, call Dental Health Plus to book a consultation.
Schedule a Visit Today
If you suspect you grind your teeth, we’d love to speak with you and help you understand how it could be affecting your oral health. Learn more when you contact us today to book a visit-we can’t wait to welcome you into our care.
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.