What is Tooth Grinding?
Tooth grinding (bruxism) is a disorder that affects up to 80% of the population at some point during their lives. Bruxism is the grinding of teeth and clenching of the jaw that causes tooth wear, sensitive teeth, breakages, pain in the muscles of the face, migraines and headaches. Both children and adults can be affected, but it is most common in adults over 25 years old. Most people grind and/or clench their teeth occasionally and it is exacerbated by stress.
The vast majority of tooth grinding occurs while one is asleep. This means that often people who grind their teeth are not aware that they do so. If you often wake up with pain in your head or jaw, then there is every chance that you may be grinding your teeth at night.
If you suspect that you may be grinding your teeth at night, then it would be a good idea to wear a sleeping appliance. These appliances can be custom made by your dentist.
How can I stop grinding my teeth?
- Tooth grinding is eminently manageable by making a splint/night guard which can be worn during sleep. The appliance protects your teeth as the acrylic is softer than tooth structure and will wear instead of your teeth. If made correctly, it also reduces the amount of grinding that is done.
- These appliances are made by a dental technician who uses an impression of your teeth to make them fit perfectly to your bite. They are comfortable to wear and should not interfere with your ability to sleep.
- If you have any discomfort while wearing an appliance, please feel free to take it to your dentist who will make any required adjustments to it.
- In order to get a sleeping appliance, all you need to do is have impressions taken at the dentist. This can be done in one 30-minute session. You should receive your appliance two weeks after the impression is taken.
TOOTH GRINDING APPLIANCES ARE SMALL ENOUGH TO BE WORN COMFORTABLY AT NIGHT
