Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common condition that affects both adults and children. It occurs when a person grinds or clenches their teeth, usually while they’re sleeping. In many cases, the person does not even know that they are grinding their teeth. Typically, it is the person’s parent or partner that hears the grinding while they sleep. It is important to treat bruxism as quickly as possible because it can damage teeth and diminish the chances of a good night’s sleep.
What is the impact of teeth grinding?
The grinding wears the teeth surfaces causing sensitivity and pain. Sometimes the pressure placed on teeth when grinding can be so strong that it can cause the following:
- chips and cracks on teeth
- loosen existing fillings
- headache, neck and shoulder pain
- jaw pain, as grinding places excess strain on jaw joints and muscles
How can I preserve my teeth if I do grind?
To protect the teeth from damage when sleeping, our team can create a custom bite splint. It looks a bit like a sports mouthguard. The splint is comfortable and provides a cushion of protection for your teeth during sleep.
Do I grind my teeth?
Most people do not know that they grind their teeth.
A check up appointment with the Brite Dental team will enable us to examine your teeth and detect the signs of teeth grinding. Contact us today to make an appointment.
