As we keep our teeth longer and longer, tooth wear is becoming more and more common and at HDC we see our fair share! Unfortunately due to stress and lifestyle factors, tooth wear is no longer confined to teeth in older people
How to tell if you are grinding your teeth?
- You wake up with tenderness or pain in the jaws, temples or teeth
- Your teeth may be chipped, worn down or show flattened surfaces
- Your teeth may be getting extra sensitive
- Your partner may have noticed the sound of grinding as you sleep
What causes grinding or clenching?
- Stress
- Overuse of caffeine or other stimulants
- Jaw misalignment
- Too much screen time
- Family history
- Sleep disorders e.g. sleep apnoea
Effects of tooth grinding
- Damage to teeth
- Jaw ‘clicking’
- Damage to the inside of your cheeks
- Disturbed sleep
- Tension headaches or back and shoulder pain
How to prevent teeth grinding
- Seeing your dentist regularly for advice
- Having a protective mouth guard( known as a Michigan splint) made
- Relaxation techniques
- Cut down on screen time….especially before bed!
- Having a sleep study conducted
- Dental correction to rebuild worn surfaces and to correct malalignment
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