What is Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding is a condition known as bruxism. There are two types: grinding your teeth while awake, which is known as awake bruxism, and grinding them while asleep, which is known as sleep bruxism. While mild versions of the condition will probably not require any treatment, if the problem is severe, it can lead to damage to your teeth, jaw problems, and other issues. Fortunately, there are various treatments that can alleviate the problem.
Both forms of bruxism can occur when you are completely unaware that you are grinding your teeth. Whether you are awake in deep thought, or if you are fast asleep, bruxism can be symptoms of stress and anxiety, unbalanced bite, crowded teeth, missing teeth, sleep disorder or a restricted airway.
It often caused by a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors. Major triggers include chronic stress, anxiety, sleep disorders (like sleep apnea), misaligned teeth, and lifestyle habits like high caffeine intake, smoking, or taking certain medications. For more information about bruxism, a good source for information is HealthDirect.
Patients suffering from teeth grinding near Potts Point can book a consultation with Dr Yee to identify what the exact cause is and decide on the best treatment for them.
What Are the Symptoms of Bruxism?
There are several symptoms which may be indicative that you are suffering from bruxism:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth regularly while awake or asleep
- Damaged tooth enamel, or flat or chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth and pain or inflammation
- Headaches in the area of your temple
- Painful or sensitive teeth
- Pain in your neck, jaw, or face
- Tightness in your jaw
- Earache-like pain
While none of these symptoms means that you definitely suffer from bruxism, they are indications of a possible cause and you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
What is the Treatment for Teeth Grinding?
If you do require bruxism treatment in Potts Point or Elizabeth Bay, there are several treatments we can offer you. In many cases, Dr Yee will advise against treatment if he diagnoses your bruxism as mild. Most children tend to grow out of bruxism, and many adults have a milder version. However, your teeth grinding may cause damage to your teeth, and Dr Yee can offer several solutions to avoid that.
Night Guards: These are a preventative measure to protect your teeth from any damage, but do not stop the grinding.
Restoration: If damage has already occurred as a result of your teeth grinding in Potts Point or Elizabeth Bay, Dr Yee may suggest some restorative dental work to repair any damage teeth or crowns.
Occlusion: Correction of your bite if you have unbalanced or crowded teeth which is contributing to your grinding.
Sleep Apnoea: Refer to sleep physician or ENT to assess your airway and the severity of your condition causing the grinding.
In some cases, Dr Yee may suggest non-dental treatment if he suspects your bruxism is stress or anxiety-related. This could include adopting some simple strategies to reduce stress and anxiety such as meditation, seeing a therapist, or exercise. In severe cases of anxiety, you may benefit from pharmaceutical interventions which can help you relax and reduce your teeth grinding throughout the day or night.
What is the Treatment for Teeth Grinding
If you do require bruxism treatment in Potts Point or Elizabeth Bay, there are several treatments we can offer you. In many cases, Dr Yee will advise against treatment if he diagnoses your bruxism as mild. Most children tend to grow out of it, and many adults have a milder version. However, your bruxism may cause damage to your teeth, and Dr Yee can offer several solutions to avoid it.
Night Guards: These are a preventative measure to protect your teeth from any damage, but do not stop the bruxism.
Restoration: If damage has already occurred as a result of your teeth grinding in Potts Point or Elizabeth Bay, Dr Yee may suggest some restorative dental work to repair any damage teeth or crowns.
Occlusion: Correction of your bite if you have unbalanced or crowded teeth which is contributing to your bruxism.
Sleep Apnoea: Refer to sleep physician or ENT to assess your airway and the severity of your condition causing the bruxism.
In some cases, Dr Yee may suggest non-dental treatment if he suspects your bruxism is stress or anxiety-related. This could include adopting some simple strategies to reduce stress and anxiety such as meditation, seeing a therapist, or exercise. In severe cases of anxiety, you may benefit from pharmaceutical interventions which can help you relax and reduce the condition throughout the day or night.
Suffering from Teeth Grinding in Potts Point or Elizabeth Bay?
While in many cases bruxism may be mild enough not to require treatment, in some circumstances it can be severe enough to cause significant damage to your oral and general health. If you think you may be experiencing bruxism, please call us to book a consultation for an assessment, on (02) 9327 6856 or visit our website and fill out our appointment form.