When the upper and lower teeth come into forceful contact with each other, this indicates that you suffer from teeth grinding at night. Teeth grinding generally affects adults, and the condition typically occurs at night during sleep, but there are occasions where it can become a regular occurrence throughout the day.
Here are some of the signs that you grind your teeth at night:
- Clenching your teeth during sleep
- You wake up and see that your teeth are fractured, chipped or have become loose
- Worn out tooth enamel, exposing the underlying dentin and layers of your teeth
- Tooth sensitivity throughout the day
- Stiff or tight jaw muscles, meaning you cannot open and close your jaw properly
- Severe headaches when you wake up and throughout the day
- Soreness within the jaw and neck
- Difficulty chewing down on foods
- Disruption of sleep
Do you experience any of these signs? It is a sure indication that you’re suffering from teeth grinding.
Can Teeth Grinding At Night Be Managed?
Teeth grinding at night can be managed and even removed entirely. Lifestyle changes are considered the most important when it comes to managing teeth grinding. Here are some example changes you can make to manage teeth grinding:
- Manage Stress – Teeth grinding can occur during sleep but is also prominent during the day if you’re showing signs of stress. Consider exercising and performing meditation as recommendations to help you reduce the feeling of stress.
- Custom-Fitted Mouthguard – One of the best solutions to teeth grinding at night is a custom-fitted mouthguard. A mouthguard helps to keep a barrier between the jaw muscles so your upper and lower teeth do not come in contact, helping you have a restful nights sleep. The dentist will need to take an impression of your teeth to mould a custom-fitted mouthguard that fits around your mouth.
- Reductive Coronoplasty – Reductive coronoplasty is a dental procedure that reshapes or levels the biting surface of your teeth. Teeth grinding can also be caused if you have crowded or misaligned teeth and this procedure can help reduce the effects of teeth grinding at night.
If you’re suffering from teeth grinding, contact us at Springvale Dental Smiles today for an assessment so we can work out the right treatment for you and your oral health. Get started by contacting us here!