Teeth Grinding in Catford

Do you ever wake up with sore teeth and an achy jaw? You could be suffering from bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. Bruxism typically happens unconsciously at night during sleep, but it can also occur during the day. It manifests as clenching and rhythmic contractions of the jaw muscles.

What are the symptoms?

• A grinding sound during sleep (perhaps overheard by someone else in the room)
• Headache
• Facial pain
• Tight or painful jaw muscles
• Swollen facial muscles
• TMJ disorders
• Stiff or achy shoulders and neck
• Ear pain
• Injured gums, tooth fracture and eventual tooth loss

What are the causes?

• Stress, anxiety, and anger
• Heavy smoking and alcohol consumption
• Caffeine
• Depression, as well as certain antidepressants (including, Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil)
• Sleep disorders
• A complication of Huntingdon or Parkinson’s disease
• Missing, broken, or misaligned teeth

What does treatment involve?

Many people with bruxism find their condition so mild that it doesn’t require treatment, but it’s important to let your dentist know so they can look out for damage to the tooth enamel. Visit Hillview Dental Centre for a comprehensive evaluation of your condition. We’ll develop your own personalised treatment plan to put an end to your teeth grinding and restore your oral health.

You may be given an occlusal appliance (a custom-made mouthpiece) to wear in order to protect your teeth and reduce jaw muscle pain. This appliance may be called a splint, bite guard, night guard, or bruxism appliance. These appliances are usually worn during the night as you sleep.

If your bruxism is caused by a sleep disorder, a mandibular advancement device can be used to bring your bottom jaw forward.

Alternately, if your lifestyle is the cause of your bruxism, it’s important for you to find ways to improve your quality of life. Reducing or eliminating alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine will help.

Stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions can be managed with regular exercise, meditation, relaxation, and hypnosis. You can also try relaxing your jaw muscles before sleep by holding a warm washcloth to your cheek in front of your earlobe.

Do you need treatment for teeth grinding in Catford? Book an appointment at Hillview Dental Centre today, and let one of our skilled and experienced dentists help you.