Because grinding often takes place while we sleep, many are unaware that they grind their teeth. At EK Dental Surgery, we would like to share with you some of the symptoms of grinding, the threat it represents, and how we can help you treat your grinding!
A low-level, constant headache or sore jaw in the morning are the telltale symptoms of bruxism. Often, people learn that they grind their teeth from loved ones who hear the grinding at night.
If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, talk to your EK Dental Surgery dentist. At EK Dental we can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of grinding, including excessive wear on your teeth and jaw tenderness.
While grinding can be caused by anxiety and stress, it is more likely to be caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. It can also be caused by sleep disorders including sleep apnea.
Chronic bruxism can lead to loosening, fracturing, or loss of teeth. In severe cases, constant grinding can wear teeth down to stumps. If any of these things happen, crowns, bridges, root canals, implants, partial dentures, and even full dentures may be required to repair the damage and restore chewing and speaking functions.
Not only can severe bruxism affect your teeth and result in their loss, but it can also damage your jaws, cause or worsen TMD/TMJ, and even distort the appearance of your face.
At EK Dental Surgery we can fit you with a mouth guard that protects your teeth against grinding while you sleep. We can also work with you to isolate the potential causes of your bruxism.
If stress is the cause of your tooth grinding, we can help you with options to reduce your stress. These options include beginning an exercise program, stress counselling, visiting a physical therapist, or even obtaining a prescription for muscle relaxants.
If your grinding is caused by a sleeping disorder, treating it may reduce or eliminate the grinding habit. Disorders such as sleep apnea are treatable!
Other ideas include:
Teeth grinding is not only for adults. Between 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth, but it is a bit different than in adults. Children tend to grind their teeth at peak times — when baby teeth first emerge and when permanent teeth erupt. The good news is that this clenching is ordinarily temporary.
Tips to help a child stop grinding teeth include:
Usually, however, no intervention is required with preschoolers. Older kids may need temporary crowns or night guards to prevent the grinding.
A custom night guard provided by EK Dental Surgery can ease your teeth grinding problems. A night guard is designed to prevent teeth grinding and clenching. Night guards are transparent devices that can stop damage to your teeth by preventing contact between your lower and upper teeth.
To be sure no long-term problems are caused, book a consultation with us and proper treatment can be discussed. Treatments can range from hot packs and occlusal splints or night guards to orthopaedic and orthodontic treatments.
Night guards at EK Dental Surgery
EK Dental Surgery offers a wide variety of preventative and cosmetic dental procedures for children, seniors, and everyone in between! We are a team of dedicated dentists and staff working to provide the best care possible. At EK Dental we can help you achieve tip-top dental health and a movie-star smile!
EK Dental Surgery is conveniently located on Springvale Road in Glen Waverley.
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Call us on (03) 9887 8787 or visit us at 230 Springvale Road in Glen Waverley.