Grinding & Clenching Your Teeth - What You Need to Know About Bruxism

Teeth grinding or clenching (Bruxism) can cause jaw pain, headaches and damage your teeth. Most people do not realise they have Bruxism until family members point it out or symptoms arise.

Regular check ups with your dentist can detect Bruxism and help to create a plan to reduce the damage it can cause.

Symptoms of Bruxism to look out for:

  • Fractured, chipped or loose teeth

  • A dull headache, sore jaws and/or ear pain

  • Aching teeth, and stiffness in the face and temples, particularly after you’ve just woken up

  • Sore jaws while you’re eating, especially at breakfast time

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks

  • Intense jaw clenching

If you are unsure if the above symptoms are related to bruxism, alert your dentist who can monitor or confirm this for you.

Common causes of Bruxism include:

  • Overly-high fillings

  • Missing or crooked teeth

  • Illness

  • Poor nutrition

  • Long term pain

  • Stress or mental illness

At Shumack Dental we offer the option of an occlusal splint (night guard) which can be created for your upper or lower teeth and worn day or night to reduce the pressure and stress on your teeth caused by the clenching or grinding. Digital scans of your teeth will be made and sent off for the splint to be made. Once it returns to our office, we will fit it and adjust it as needed to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

For more information on Bruxism visit the Australian Dental Association Website

Cristy Houghtonstress, teeth grinding, clenching, Bruxism, dental, mouthguard