Tooth grinding (or Bruxism) is when you clench or grind your teeth against each other. Tooth grinding can take place during the day, but more often at night while we are sleeping. According to a large study in the Journal of Medicine from 2024, about 43% of people grind their teeth, so it’s something we see regularly at Power Dental Practice.
What Causes Tooth Grinding?
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Crooked teeth and bite problems
- Caffeine, alcohol and smoking
- Certain medications
What’s the problem with tooth grinding?
Ongoing tooth grinding can cause:
- Jaw pain
- Facial muscle soreness
- Tooth sensitivity or wear
- Chipped or cracked teeth
What can you do about tooth grinding?
If the grinding is short-lived, irregular and not too severe, your dentist at Power Dental Practice may recommend supportive measures such as:
- Pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Rest the jaw
- Gentle massage
- Warm packs against the jaw/face, possibly with a pain-relief gel like voltaren emulgel
- A Magnesium supplement
However, if it is a more severe and/or ongoing problem, your dentist may recommend:
- Muscle release by your dentist
- Muscle-relaxant medication
- Referral to a Physiotherapist/Osteopath/Chiropractor
- Fitting of a Night guard (occlusal splint)
What is a night guard and what does it do?
A night guard is a specially-made dental appliance that covers the teeth and evens up the bite and protects the teeth - a bit like a sports mouthguard worn during sport, but more specialized. A night guard is worn over the teeth, usually at night and can cover the upper or lower teeth, but the upper is more common. Here is a picture of one:
A night guard is worn over the teeth, usually at night and can cover the upper or lower teeth, but the upper is more common.
Your dental practitioner can comfortably take scans of your teeth and bite position and have a dental laboratory make up the night guard for you. Then you will return to have it fitted, and usually have at least one follow-up appointment to check how it is performing.
If you are experiencing symptoms of tooth grinding, early treatment can help protect your smile. If so, contact Power Dental Practice today to book your appointment.