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Teeth Grinding Teeth Grinding, also medically known as 'Bruxism', is the involuntary or unconscious clenching, gnashing, or grinding of your teeth.

If moderate to severe it can cause problems, such as cracks in your teeth, flattening the surfaces of your teeth, headaches and jaw joint problems.

Awake & Asleep Grinding

Teeth Grinding can happen during the day, ‘Awake Bruxism’ or while you are asleep, ‘Sleep Bruxism’, often without you realizing you are doing it.

  • Grinding while Awake
    Typically triggered by stress, anxiety, frustration, or deep concentration. People often unconsciously clench their jaws while working, driving, or focusing
  • Grinding while Asleep
    A subconscious jaw-muscle activity occurring during sleep, which is frequently linked to airway issues (like sleep apnoea) or sleep disturbances

Signs & Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

You may not even be aware of the teeth grinding habit, unless a partner hears you. There are however physical clues that you are grinding or clenching your teeth.

  • Worn-down teeth: Flattened, chipped, or loose teeth, or enamel wearing down enough to expose the softer dentine underneath
  • Pain: Dull headaches, aching facial muscles, and a sore or locked jaw upon waking
  • Sensitivity: Increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks

Management & Treatment for Teeth Grinding

You may be able to manage mild grinding yourself by reducing temporary stress and anxiety in your life and getting enough sleep.

Moderate to severe grinding can however lead to permanent tooth damage, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and severe pain. Discuss this with your dentist who may recommend the fabrication of a Custom Mouth Guard to be worn at night to protect teeth from grinding and friction.

Types of Mouth Guard

Your dentist may recommend the fabrication of a Custom Mouth Guard to be worn at night to protect your teeth from grinding and friction. It helps with teeth grinding by creating a protective physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth.

A well-fitting, custom-made mouth guard absorbs the impact of the impact of grinding/clenching by distributing the intense pressure more evenly across your teeth and jaw muscles. It is designed to prevent tooth wear, relax jaw muscles, and alleviate joint tension.

The right type of mouth guard depends on your specific case, whether you suffer from muscle pain, joint derangement, or heavy clenching. The most common night guards we offer are:

  • Soft Night Guard
    • For mild grinding and clenching
    • Made of flexible, thermoplastic material
    • Provides a comfortable, cushioned barrier between your upper and lower teeth. They are generally thicker than hard guards, making them great for comfort but less durable for heavy grinders
  • Hard Acrylic Night Guard (i.e. a Stabilization Splint)
    • For moderate to severe teeth grinding (bruxism) and chronic muscle pain
    • Made of rigid, clear acrylic custom-moulded to your teeth
    • Creates a smooth, flat surface that allows the lower jaw to glide effortlessly, which helps reduce the intensity of grinding and relaxes sore jaw muscles
Book a Consultation Contact Us

At Dentistry on the Grove, we provide a wide range of dental treatments across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and the surrounding areas.

Address
Dentistry on the Grove
42 Southbourne Grove
Bournemouth, Dorset
BH6 3RT

Patient Car Park Postcode BH6 5AB

Phone number
01202 443882

Email
hello@dentistryonthegrove.uk

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Teeth Grinding?

The most common causes of teeth grinding include stress, anxiety, sleep disorders like sleep apnoea, too much caffeine, alcohol before bedtime, and side effects from certain medications. A misaligned bite or missing teeth can also cause the jaw muscles to compensate by rubbing the teeth together

Can teeth grinding cause headaches?

Yes, teeth grinding / clenching causes headaches by overworking your jaw muscles and straining the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint, TMJ). This extreme pressure creates tension that radiates into your head, neck, face, neck, and shoulders, resulting in dull, throbbing, or tension-type headache

Can teeth grinding crack my teeth?

Yes, biting forces are extremely strong, and extreme clenching and grinding over a prolonged period of time can cause your teeth to crack and break

Does caffeine before bedtime cause teeth grinding?

Yes, stimulants such as caffeine, excessive alcohol can lead to teeth grinding. Furthermore teeth grinding is a known side effect of certain prescription drugs such as anti-depressants and ADHD medications

How can a mouth guard help with teeth grinding?

A well-fitting mouthguard (night guard) eases jaw tension and relieves pain by absorbing the impact of the jaw muscles clenching down and grinding against each other.

Will a mouthguard help with sensitive teeth?

Yes a mouthguard can help if the cause of your sensitive teeth is NOT due to cavities, gum disease, or enamel erosion due to a high acid diet (fizzy drinks, wine, fruit juices). You may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night, which causes teeth sensitivity and can be alleviated by wearing a mouthguard at night.

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