Got Problems With Teeth Grinding? Dapto Dentists Can Help
Teeth grinding (otherwise known as Bruxism) is the action of clenching or grinding the teeth involuntarily. It can occur when a person is stressed, angry, or even when concentrating, but normally it happens when the bruxism sufferer is asleep.
For these reasons, in many cases, when it comes to teeth grinding, Dapto patients don’t even know they’re doing it. Usually the first signs are when a bed partner is awoken by the sounds of grinding teeth, or the sufferer is told by their dentist during a regular check-up or examination.
So what are the main symptoms of teeth grinding in NSW?
Aside from a grinding noise you or a partner may or may not hear, there are other tell-tale signs that bruxism may be a problem. These include:
- Aching teeth (usually right after waking up)
- Jaw joint pain due to jaw clenching
- Stiffness of the temples and/or face (again, usually right after waking up)
- Sensitive teeth (particularly to hot and cold beverages)
- Tooth indentations on the tongue
- Cracked or chipped tooth enamel
- Abnormally worn down biting surfaces
- Raised tissue on the inside of the cheek (usually caused by biting)
And a person may experience one, some or many of the above symptoms depending upon the extent of the problem.
What about teeth grinding (bruxism) causes?
That’s a difficult one to pin down because it can be caused by genetics, be psychological, (personality traits) or be caused by external factors including tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, or some drugs.
The good news is that teeth grinding is a curable problem, and our Dapto team are trained to spot any influencing factors and help you to stop. Whether that means finding the right type of counselling, putting you in touch with a behavioural therapist (CBT), or alternatively, we can also make special mouthguards Dapto patients can wear at night when they sleep. These are a very similar type of mouthguards that the Dapto team make for those involved in playing contact sports. It’s important to note that a teeth grinding bite guard is designed to prevent further harm to the teeth only, and not to prevent the problem altogether. As such, a night guard should be used in conjunction with other methods to put an end to your tooth grinding issue once and for all.
Sports mouthguards
Besides teeth grinding, mouthguards can be useful for sport lovers. The risk of contact to the face and teeth is an ever-present danger in some sports. To minimise this risk, it’s a good idea to wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards are usually worn during sports and other activities that involve a high risk of impact to the face.
According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), about one-third of traumatic injuries to teeth are sports-related. Sports Medicine Association Australia suggests that 50% of children experience some form of dental injury.
If the mouthguard is in great condition and you don’t experience any major dental work such as restoration, it can last for quite a few years. When it comes to kids’ mouthguards, they need to be replaced every 12 to 18 months due to the child’s growth and any new teeth that alter the fit.
To find out more about how we can help you with teeth grinding and sports mouthguards, Dapto residents should call Dapto Dentists. We offer affordable solutions using the latest dental techniques and technology. Contact us today on (02) 4044 5520.