During what is a stressful time for many we thought we would share some knowledge on a condition your stress or anxiety can cause. If you ever find yourself waking with headaches, toothache or a tired and sore feeling jaw, then this could be the article for you.
Sleep bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth during sleep. It often goes untreated if you do not have regular visits to your dentist of choice, unless someone tells you, it is difficult to know what occurs while you are asleep!
Unfortunately, many people are likely unaware they have sleep bruxism as it is only detected when complications develop, or you visit the dentist, so we believe it is important to know the signs and symptoms and to seek regular dental care.
What causes people to grind their teeth?
Sleep Bruxism can present due to emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, and frustration, or can be as simple as a habit.
Symptoms of Sleep Bruxism
Sleep Bruxism can be a tricky problem to self-diagnose, largely due to the fact you’re asleep while it occurs. However, it’s worth being mindful that if you are experiencing any of the following it pays to talk to your dentist, as ignoring it can cause more severe issues.
- Flattened, fractured, or chipped teeth
- Tooth enamel that looks worn
- Sensitive teeth or toothache
- Soreness, achy or tight feeling of your jaw and facial muscles
- Pain that feels like an earache, though it’s not a problem with your ear
- Headache
It’s important to acknowledge that this is not usually a condition that will cause a severe issue overnight, having said that living with headaches and sore teeth is not fun for anyone and left untreated issues such as loss of tooth structure and jaw joint disorders can occur.
Our solution
When you next visit us for your routine dental exam please make sure to mention any of the symptoms you have, the visible signs are not always evident so it’s important to have an in-depth conversation with one of our dentists.
We offer custom made dental night guards. These are a transparent, thin plastic guard that you wear while you sleep, which provide protection against grinding or clenching. We take records of your teeth, then make the guard to ensure you get a snug and comfortable fit that will not prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.