Addressing a silent pain

Grinding your teeth, or bruxism as it is less commonly known, is an involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, often done in a person’s sleep, although some people are known to do it when they are awake as well. It is surprisingly common and about half of the population are known to do it every now and then.

There are a multitude of reasons behind why a person grinds their teeth and it isn’t always related to stress or anxiety. The problem can arise from a misaligned bite or crooked teeth so it is important to come in and visit a dentist in Sydney CBD frequently so we can examine your teeth and have your bite assessed.

Not only an annoying habit, it can damage teeth by wearing the enamel down and exposing the teeth to decay which can eventually be the cause of tooth loss. People have been known to crack their teeth due to severe bruxism and plenty of people suffer from headaches and jaw pain when they constantly grind their teeth. If you grind your teeth you are probably desperate to seek relief from the pressure and pain that it can cause.

If you believe that you have a problem with clenching your teeth or grinding your jaw or if you are continually waking up in the morning with a headache, then come in to visit a dentist in Sydney CBD to see if we are able to provide you with a device to ease your suffering.

The first step in kicking the habit is trying to source the reason behind the action. We will evaluate your bite to ensure this is not a factor, but there are other things that can be done as well.

How can I prevent grinding my teeth?

The leading reason as to why you may grind your teeth is stress. If you have been feeling under considerable pressure lately, take some extra time to relax for the sake of your health and well-being.

One of the first tips that we give our patients is to simply be aware. If you are grinding your teeth during the day, find out what the trigger could be and make a conscious effort during those times to avoid your reaction.

By making a conscious effort to relax your jaw and avoid chewing gum excessively, you may find that you can ease the pain that you experience throughout your face as a result of bruxism. By making an active effort you will be surprised at how much better you may feel.

Should you grind your teeth unconsciously at night, a sleeping device may be useful to reduce the effects of grinding and clenching. Custom-made designs are the best and we are happy to guide you through this process at Spa Dental Sydney CBD.

Other factors such as alcohol consumption can increase the desire to grind and clench your jaw during your sleep. This is partly due to the disturbed quality of sleep you experience after a night out on the booze. The less soundly you sleep, the more likely you are to clench and grind your teeth.

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.