At Belmont Dental Surgery, we understand the discomfort and potential damage caused by teeth grinding. Our dental professionals are trained to help patients manage and treat this condition.
What Is Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition characterised by the unconscious grinding, clenching or gnashing of teeth. It often occurs during sleep but can also happen while awake.
Treatment Options for
Teeth Grinding
It’s important to seek treatment if you’re experiencing symptoms of teeth grinding. Below are some of the treatment options for teeth grinding:
Nightguards
A custom-fitted nightguard worn during sleep can create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, reducing the damage caused by teeth grinding.
Dental Correction
In cases where misaligned teeth are a contributing factor to bruxism, orthodontic treatments can be beneficial. Your dentists may recommend braces or clear aligners to gradually align the teeth into their proper positions.
By improving the alignment, the forces on the teeth during grinding can be distributed more evenly, reducing the strain on specific teeth and jaw muscles. This can not only alleviate teeth grinding but also prevent potential dental issues that may arise from misalignment, such as uneven wear on teeth or jaw pain.
Dental Restoration
Teeth grinding can lead to worn down tooth enamel, chipping, and teeth fractures. In cases where teeth have been damaged due to bruxism, dental restoration with dental crowns or veneers may be recommended.
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire tooth, providing strength and protection to the damaged tooth structure. On the other hand, veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance and reinforce them.
By restoring damaged teeth, the bite can be improved, and the effects of teeth grinding can be minimised, reducing the risk of further damage and discomfort.
Put an End to Teeth Grinding
At Belmont Dental Surgery, we offer a range of dental treatment options to address teeth grinding, including correction of misaligned teeth and creating custom mouthguards or splints to protect your teeth and jaw from further damage.
We work closely with our patients to create personalised treatment plans that address their individual needs and concerns, ensuring the best possible outcome for their dental health.
Home Remedies for Teeth Grinding
While seeking professional treatment is important, there are also some home remedies that can help alleviate teeth grinding symptoms;
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Find ways to reduce your stress levels. Since stress is a common cause of teeth grinding, try relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises.
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Apply a warm compress to the jaw area before bed. This can help relax the muscles and reduce teeth grinding during sleep.
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Avoid or limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol. Both can contribute to teeth grinding.
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Ensure you get enough sleep and establish a consistent sleep schedule to help reduce teeth grinding during sleep.
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Massage the jaw muscles and do some simple jaw stretches to help relax the muscles and prevent teeth grinding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you curious about teeth grinding? To help you gain a better understanding of this common dental issue, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What causes teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress and anxiety, misaligned teeth, sleep disorders, and certain medications.
How do I know if I am grinding my teeth?
Common signs of teeth grinding include waking up with a sore jaw or headache, chipped or flattened teeth, and a clicking or popping sound when you move your jaw.
Do children grind their teeth?
Yes, children can also grind their teeth, and it’s important to seek treatment to prevent any long-term damage.
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Where to find us
Belmont Dental Surgery
171 Belmont Avenue
Belmont WA 6104
Tel: (08) 9277 3837
Public Transport:
There are bus stops (Transperth stop ID 14265 & 14257) directly outside the practice which are serviced by bus numbers 286, 287, 380 and 935.
