4 Ways to Stop your Teeth Grinding
Do you grind your teeth at night causing them to become fractured or chipped over time?
And do you experience facial pain, earache or tight jaw muscles when waking up in the morning?
If yes, then you could be suffering from bruxism.
Bruxism is another term for teeth grinding, which can be a serious problem that may cause damaged teeth, jaw disorders, headaches and other oral health concerns.
The most common form of teeth grinding is called sleep bruxism, considered a sleep-related movement disorder.
If you grind your teeth at night, you are more likely to develop other sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnoea. Mild bruxism may not need treatment.
However, in most cases, the condition can become frequent and severe.
If you experience any symptoms of teeth grinding, consult your Fortitude Valley dentist immediately before the condition becomes severe.
Risk Factors for Teeth Grinding
Aside from the signs and symptoms, it’s also important to know the risk factors for bruxism, the things that increase the likelihood of developing this oral condition.
The following factors increase your risk of teeth grinding:
Stress
Stress, including anger and frustration, can trigger grinding of the teeth. This risk factor is also a common contributor to bruxism.
Age
Bruxism is common among children, but the condition normally goes away as they grow up. People under age 40, particularly women between the ages of 27 and 40, are also susceptible.
Type of Personality
An aggressive, competitive or hyperactive personality increases your probability of bruxism.
Stimulating substances
Smoking, drinking alcoholic or caffeinated beverages or using illegal drugs are also risk factors for teeth grinding. Smoking nearly doubles your vulnerability to teeth grinding.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Many studies show that OSA is the highest risk factor for sleep bruxism. Sleep apnoea is a disorder where your breathing becomes shallow or is interrupted when you are asleep.
Treatment Option for Teeth Grinding in Fortitude Valley
There are various methods to improve the symptoms of teeth grinding and one of these are night guards.
Here at Precision Dental, we offer the best solution for your bruxism troubles and that is a custom-made night guard.
Night guards are designed to keep your teeth separated, avoiding the damage made by clenching or grinding.
Custom-made night guards offer more benefits than over-the-counter dental appliances.
They are specially designed to fit your mouth and provide a comfortable fit and protection for your teeth and jaws by keeping your teeth from rubbing together.
Your Fortitude Valley dentist may suggest additional remedies that may help with bruxism problems:
Relieve the stress. Try to relax by meditating, deep breathing or doing activities that will help you become calm and relaxed.
Reduce your consumption of beverages that contain caffeine and alcohol.
Learn to avoid clenching your teeth. Hold your teeth apart if you feel you are about to press them together.
Relax your jaw. During the day, give yourself simple jaw massages to reduce the likelihood of grinding your teeth at night. Also, avoid chewing non-food items like your nails or edges of pencils.
Comprehensive Teeth Grinding Treatment in Fortitude Valley
Teeth grinding is a serious dental problem. Aside from damaging your teeth, it can also damage your dental work such as restorations or crowns as well as lead to jaw problems like temporomandibular joint disorders.
If you suffer from bruxism, consult your reliable Fortitude Valley dentist at Precision Dental for a comprehensive solution for clenching and grinding.
In addition, if your teeth have been damaged, we can recommend restorative treatments to bring back the beauty of your pearly whites and stunning smiles.
Dentist Fortitude Valley: Areas We Serve
We serve patients from Newstead, New Farm, Bowen Hills and Teneriffe and from all Brisbane metro areas.
Call us on (07) 3852 1160 or visit us at S13, HQ South Tower, 520 Wickham St in Fortitude Valley.
The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. Precision Dental does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the content.
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional personal diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read or seen on the Site.
Services We Mentioned:
Grinding and Clenching
Mouthguards
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Restorative Dentistry
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