Teeth grinding

Clenching or grinding is a common habit among the population. Some cases are more extreme then others. Bruxism is the medical for term for grinding, found in both children and adults. It is the action of unintentionally rubbing the top and bottom teeth together in excess.  It is often done during sleep, but can even happen during the day time (awake bruxism) with relation to high stresses, anger, frustration or deep concentration.  Your chances of bruxism increase through stress, age, medicine, tobacco and alcohol use, genetics or some medical conditions including acid reflux, epilepsy, ADHD, dementia, and Parkinsons Disease.

 It can be difficult to know if you’re a grinder while you sleep. Symptoms include a sleeping partner making you aware that you grind at night, signs of breakage and wear, increased tooth pain or sensitivity, frequent headaches at the temple, soreness or tightness in the jaw, cheek lacerations or sleep disruption.

It is best to seek advice form your dentist to see if a custom fit night guard is right for you. The hard texture helps to prevent excessive grinding, protect the teeth and provide a release from jaw tension or pain.  An impression of the teeth is taken to help fabricate an appliance custom fit to a bruxers mouth.