If tooth grinding is keeping your partner awake at night and causing you to suffer painful headaches or jaw ache when you wake up, we have some solutions that will help.
What causes tooth grinding?
Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common sub-conscious action that usually occurs during the night while you sleep. Sometimes the cause is not known, but in many cases tooth grinding is linked to stress or anxiety, loose crowns or fillings, or orthodontic issues that affect the way the upper and lower arches of teeth fit together.
If you’ve noticed your partner grinding their teeth, you have been waking up with a sore jaw, headaches or shoulder pain or you’ve noticed that your teeth look a little worn, there’s no need to suffer in silence. It’s a good idea to address bruxism because it can contribute to tooth damage and symptoms of TMJ disorder (a disorder affecting the temporomandibular joint).
Solutions for tooth grinding
The first thing we do when we see a patient with symptoms of tooth grinding is to ascertain a possible cause. Once we have identified the cause, we can then work out a plan of action. In cases where bruxism is linked to damaged fillings, crowns or veneers, we can repair restorations and this should prevent symptoms. If orthodontic issues seem to be the problem, we may recommend treatment options such as braces. We will talk you through the different treatment options, answer your questions and explain how treatment could benefit you.
In the case of an individual suffering from stress or anxiety, there are various stress management techniques such as exercise, breathing exercises and meditation. We can provide advice about coping with stress and we can also provide custom-made bite guards designed to provide a physical barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent contact and subsequent wear and tear. The guard is custom-fit for the individual and it can really make a difference to your symptoms as well as the quality of sleep you and the people around you enjoy.
Tags: Bruxism in Leeds, Leeds Bruxism, tooth grinding Leeds, Tooth grinding treatment
