Bruxism

Teeth Grinding and Clenching

bruxism campbelltown

Bruxism Campbelltown

When you clench, grind, or gnash your teeth, it is called bruxism.

When you have bruxism, you could unintentionally clench or grind your teeth while you’re awake (awake bruxism) or while you’re asleep (sleep bruxism).

What Causes Bruxism?

Bruxism may go undetected until symptoms become prominent. Even those who regularly grind and clench their teeth may not know the signs.

The following things could potentially cause bruxism:

  • Aggressive character
  • Anger and frustration
  • Tight teeth clenching or grinding
  • Having trouble managing stress
  • Competitiveness
  • Frustration and rage
  • Diet
  • Posture
  • Sleeping habits
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Types of Bruxism

The two main types of bruxism are awake and asleep.

Awake bruxism

During periods of extreme concentration, a habit or coping mechanism may form. Anxiety, stress, wrath, irritability, or tension may also be the cause.
Sleep bruxism
Awakening during the night may cause a sleep problem. Other sleep disorders, such as snoring and apnoea, are more common among those who grind their teeth at night.
For mild bruxism, treatment might not be essential. But for others, bruxism can be chronic and severe enough to cause jaw irregularities, pain, cracked teeth, and other problems.

Signs of Bruxism

Teeth become pretty sensitive when dentine is exposed. Your teeth’ tips are beginning to flatten if you frequently clench or grind them. You risk having severely worn-down teeth. As a result, the dentin, or the tooth’s interior, is exposed. Additionally, patients may experience inflammation in their TMJ, which may cause their jaw to twitch or crack.

Additional signs include:

  • Earache
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Tongue indentations
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Occlusal Splints

An occlusal splint is a detachable dental appliance custom-made to fit upper or lower dental arches. It is typically worn while you sleep.

The main goal of using an occlusal splint is to put a barrier between the surfaces of the teeth that are used for biting and grinding, shielding them from wear and damage.

Occlusal splints are available in a range of styles, such as soft or rigid, full or partial, and those for the upper or lower jaw. Your Campbelltown dentist will recommend the material and design that will alleviate your situation most while considering your preferences.

Bruxism Management in Campbelltown

If undetected and untreated, bruxism will result in long-term dental wear and damage, necessitating additional restorative procedures to correct the damage.

As a result, the diagnosis needs to be made as soon as possible. Contact us to schedule an appointment if you or a family member thinks they may be a bruxer.

At Marketfair Dental Care, we treat all our patients as we would our families by using the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions.

Visit your Campbelltown dentist today!

Call (02) 4620 0800 or request your appointment online. We are located at Marketfair Campbelltown Shop 21B, 4 Tindall St in Campbelltown.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I stop teeth from grinding?
Early stages of bruxism can be avoided by doing the following:

  • Get enough rest.
  • Reduce the amount of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
  • Take part in more relaxed pursuits (meditation, exercise and counselling)
  • Perform muscle-relaxation exercises.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
The following are indications of bruxism during sleep:

  • Changes in facial appearance
  • Complaints from your bed partner
  • Pain in the jaws
  • Unexplained damage to teeth
  • Waking up with a headache
Why do people grind their teeth?
People grind their teeth because they are experiencing a lot of stress, which can cause them to do it more often.