(02) 8599 7107

TLC Dental: Teeth Grinding & Clenching Shouldn't Wear You Down

Stress can affect all areas of our life, including our oral health. When you’re trying to focus on an important task for work or school or something in the news has you up in arms, clenching and grinding your teeth may be a habitual response. This bad habit can lead to oral health complications like worn, dislodged, or fractured teeth; it can also cause headaches, neck pain, and a sore jaw.

If you grind your teeth, or suspect you do in your sleep due to the above symptoms, then it’s time to call TLC Dental for an evaluation before your teeth are severely damaged.

How to treat Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding is treatable— and we can help! When you set up an appointment with our family-friendly office, our licensed dentist and caring staff will get to the bottom of what may be causing this habit, help you understand said cause, and find the best solution for your unique case.

Every patient is different, so no one solution fits all. We’ll work closely with you to find a solution that fits your need, lifestyle, and budget.

an image of a male dentist checking up on a patient for dental crowns at TLC Dental Darlinghurst
Monday8:00AM – 6:00PM
Tuesday1:00PM – 7:00PM
Wednesday8:00AM – 6:00PM
ThursdayClosed
Friday8:00AM – 5:00PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Teeth Grinding & Clenching Causes and Treatments

If you grind or clench your teeth, you can take comfort knowing you aren’t alone— 70% of the global population do so, as well! While it can damage your teeth, modern advancements in dentistry have made treatment possible; in some cases, treatment is as simple as utilizing oral appliance.

How do I recognize if I’m a grinder?

Are you concerned that you may be grinding your teeth and not realise? Some grinders only do so at night; how do you know if that is the cause of your pain?

While a dentist will need to confirm the diagnosis, some signs can help flag the issue so that you know to be seen! These include:

  • Family History of Teeth Grinding
  • Noises at night: squeaking, shifting, grinding sounds a partner or loved one may notice
  • Sore or Tender Jaw
  • Wear and Tear on Teeth

I’m not stressed, why would I grind my teeth?

While stress is a common cause, it is not the only cause. Grinding can also be caused by misaligned teeth or bite, genetics, habit in certain situations, caffeine, or sleep apnea.

Is it a bit silly to seek treatment for something so common? How bad can it be?

Seeking treatment is essential; teeth grinding and clenching can lead to irreversible damage to your teeth. Once they are loosened, fractured, or ground down, then you must seek further treatment in the form of crowns, veneers, implants, etc.

How to treat teeth grinding and clenching?

Several options are available. Which will work best for you depends on your specific situation.

Sleep Grinding. The most common form of teeth grinding is that done when the patient is asleep. If this is your situation, you may find yourself with a new night guard. The guard is a custom-fit retainer piece that slips over your teeth at night to protect them. It leaves a small amount of space between your teeth which allows your jaw to relax and stop grinding.

Misaligned Teeth or Bite. Grinding and clenching may be a symptom of misalignment. If this is the case, our dentist may recommend an alignment treatment. Proper alignment affects more than grinding; it can also prevent plaque and bacteria from becoming trapped, reducing your vulnerability to gum disease.

Sleep Apnea. If your teeth grinding is a result of sleep apnea, then the best treatment is that aimed at the apnea itself. Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition. Tissues can block your airways while you sleep, leading to inadequate oxygen intake. Clenching and grinding are just one of the ways your body reacts in an attempt to wake you or get more air.

Seeking Treatment Can Save You Further Hassle

If you suspect that you are grinding or clenching your teeth or if you have noticed the habit during your daily routine, it’s time to call the caring and knowledgeable team at TLC Dental.

We’ll work closely with you to determine the why of your grinding before working to correct the issue and any damage it may have already caused. Give us a call today!

Call TLC Dental and Set up an Appointment Today!

Great! Give us a call or drop us a line and we’ll set you up for a consultation. Let’s start you on the path to a brilliant, well-aligned smile!