Is Teeth Grinding Bad For You?
While many of us occasionally grind our teeth - especially when we’re stressed - some people form the habit of persistent or excessive teeth grinding, especially overnight during sleep. This condition, called bruxism, can damage your teeth and lead to a range of oral health problems.
If you regularly grind your teeth while you sleep, it’s important to speak to your dentist about how to manage this condition and take steps to prevent the damage. The good news is, there are simple ways to treat bruxism, so you can put a stop to teeth grinding for good.
What is bruxism?
Teeth grinding is a condition where you grind, clench, or gnash your teeth, but importantly, it often occurs while you’re sleeping, so you don’t even know you’re doing it.
Therefore, there is awake bruxism and sleep bruxism.
What is the main reason for teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding can be caused by a number of different reasons, ranging from physical to psychological. Some potential causes of teeth grinding include:
● Stress and anxiety
● A family history of bruxism
● Underbite, overbite and other abnormal bites
● The side effects of antidepressants, antipsychotics, or amphetamines
● Certain neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or Huntington's disease
What are the signs that you are grinding your teeth?
As most people grind their teeth overnight in their sleep, it can be difficult to identify the habit yourself.
While your partner may point out your grinding, some telltale signs that you can look out for yourself include:
● Sensitive teeth and increased tooth pain
● Loose teeth
● Cracked/chipped tooth enamel
● Flattened teeth
● Grinding sounds while you sleep
● Headaches (usually starting from the temple region)
● Chewing on the inside of your cheek
● Poor sleep
Is teeth grinding bad for your teeth?
When teeth grinding is chronic, it can lead to a range of dental health problems, including fracturing, loosening or even loss of teeth, as habitual grinding can significantly wear teeth down.
Not only can severe grinding damage your teeth and potentially result in tooth loss, but it can also affect your jaws, cause or worsen disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and even change the appearance of your face.
How can I stop teeth grinding?
If you’re suffering from teeth grinding while you sleep, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible - if needed, they’ll be able to fit you with a special custom mouthguard to be worn at night.
This device is custom-fitted to your mouth for a comfortable fit and is designed to protect your teeth against the damage of grinding, so you can sleep easy without causing harm to your teeth.
How much does a mouth guard for grinding teeth cost?
A custom-fitted mouth guard for teeth grinding typically costs around $200 - $300.
This cost will vary from one dental practice to another, so it’s best to check with your dentist for a more personalised quote.
Should I see a dentist for teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding day or night can have a severe impact on the health of your teeth, however, the sooner you have your teeth checked by a dentist, the sooner you can amend the issue. To find out more about how your dentist can help with teeth grinding, find a dental practice and book an appointment with National Dental Care today.