Teeth grinding can leave your teeth worn down and your jaw feeling sore. Our caring team is here to identify the cause and provide gentle, effective treatments to protect your smile and bring you relief.
What Is Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is when you clench or grind your teeth together, often without even realising it. Many people grind their teeth during sleep, but it can also happen during the day, especially in times of stress or concentration.
Over time, teeth grinding can wear down tooth enamel, cause jaw pain or headaches, and even lead to broken teeth. Because it often happens at night, many people don’t notice it until symptoms appear or a dentist points it out.
Factors Leading to Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can be caused by a mix of physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors.
Stress and anxiety are among the most common triggers, with many people clenching their teeth as an unconscious response to tension. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can also contribute, as can issues with jaw or bite alignment that place extra strain on the muscles. Certain habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, or consuming too much caffeine may increase the likelihood of grinding, especially at night.
In some cases, even medications such as antidepressants have been linked to bruxism, making it important to identify the underlying cause before starting treatment.
Personalised Treatment for Teeth Grinding
At Springfield Dental, our experienced team takes the time to carefully assess each case of teeth grinding to understand its cause and recommend the best treatment. One of the most effective options is a custom-fitted night guard or dental splint, which provides a comfortable barrier between your teeth, protecting them from wear while you sleep and easing the strain on your jaw.
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When to Seek Professional Help
Occasional teeth grinding may not be a major concern, but it’s important to see a dentist if it becomes frequent or starts to cause problems. Signs that you should seek professional help include persistent jaw pain, headaches, worn or chipped teeth, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth comfortably.
Getting treatment early can prevent long-term damage and bring much-needed relief. Our team can help identify the cause of your bruxism and recommend the right solution to protect your smile.
Dental Treatments for Bruxism
If teeth grinding is affecting your comfort or damaging your smile, professional dental treatments can help protect your teeth and ease the strain on your jaw. At Springfield Dental, we offer solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Custom Night Guards
A night guard is a specially designed oral appliance worn while you sleep. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, reducing wear, preventing fractures, and easing jaw tension caused by grinding.
Dental Splints
Similar to night guards, splints are custom-made devices that fit over your teeth. They are often more rigid and can be designed to adjust your bite, helping to reduce strain on the jaw muscles and joints.
Restorative Treatments
In cases where bruxism has already caused significant tooth damage, treatments such as crowns, veneers, or bonding may be needed to repair and strengthen the teeth. These restorations can restore both function and appearance.
Orthodontic Solutions
If misaligned teeth or bite issues are contributing to grinding, orthodontic treatment may be recommended. Straightening the teeth and improving bite alignment can help reduce bruxism over time.
Springfield Dental
Shop 6/6 Commercial Dr,
Springfield QLD 4300
Booking:
You can book an appointment with us online or call us at (07) 3818 9100. Please note your dental appointment is considered confirmed at the time of booking. We have reserved the time with our dentists, dental assistants and hygienists, especially for you. We will contact you prior to your scheduled appointment with a courtesy reminder but ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure that you arrive on time for your appointment. We know that life can get in the way and if you need to reschedule, please give us at least one business days’ notice and we will be happy to find a time that better suits you.