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Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is the act of clenching, grinding, or gnashing your teeth. It can range from barely bothersome to highly uncomfortable. Timely treatment may be necessary to prevent permanent damage. Awake bruxism occurs when you unknowingly clench your teeth while awake, while sleep bruxism happens during sleep. Minor teeth grinding may not require treatment, but prolonged grinding can lead to significant tooth damage. Long-term bruxism can result in migraines, jaw problems, tooth wear and fractures.
Contact us immediately if you’re in pain and require emergency dental care. We’ll prioritise your urgent appointment to provide prompt assistance.
If your condition is mild, you may not be aware that you are grinding your teeth. It might be that a friend or family member notices it first. Or perhaps symptoms of bruxism are seen by your dentist during a routine appointment. Some signs and symptoms that you may have bruxism include:
There are a number of reasons bruxism can occur. It’s sometimes caused by excess stress or anxiety. Heightened emotions such as anger, frustration or tension can also trigger it. Teeth grinding may also develop as a coping strategy during periods of concentration. If you have sleep bruxism, it is more likely to be caused by an abnormal bite, missing teeth, or crooked teeth. Or it might be due to a sleep disorder such as sleep apnoea. There are some risk factors that may increase your chance of developing bruxism. These include:
Your dentist will scrutinise your mouth to diagnose the cause of your pain or condition. You may need one of these standard treatments.
When scheduling a check-up or treatment at our dental practices, efficiency is important. It’s beneficial to anticipate the information your dentist will require for diagnosis and treatment.
Typically, your dentist will inquire about your medical history and perform a comprehensive examination of your oral and facial areas. This includes the mouth, teeth, gums, jaw, tongue, throat, sinuses, ears, nose, and neck. Depending on the suspected cause of your issue, an X-ray may also be necessary.
Your dentist will ask you some questions about your teeth and any pain you may have, such as:
Before your appointment, consider your responses to these questions. Being prepared can expedite the diagnosis.
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