How to Recognize teeth grinding
Do you wake up with headaches, or find that your jaw feels tight, even during the day? You might be dealing with bruxism-chronic teeth grinding or jaw clenching, often caused by stress. This condition usually occurs during sleep, leaving you unaware of the damage it's causing.
While grinding your teeth is common, if left untreated, it can lead to various issues, including:
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder
- Jaw pain or discomfort
- Migraines and tension headaches
- Worn, chipped, or flattened teeth
- Broken dental restorations
- Muscle tension in the face, neck, and shoulders
- Limited jaw movement
- Difficulty chewing
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Treatment for teeth grinding
Since bruxism is often linked to stress and habits, both of which can be tough to manage on your own, talking to our dentists is a great first step. Depending on your situation, we may recommend a combination of treatments, such as: Bite Splints (Night guard). These devices help adjust your jaw's resting position, preventing it from fully engaging and reducing muscle tension. Neuromuscular Treatments: Focus on adjusting the way your teeth fit together for optimal comfort and better jaw function.
Physical Therapy or Massage: We may recommend these non-surgical treatments to help relieve strain and restore normal muscle function in your jaw, neck, and shoulders.
Sleep Apnea Treatment: Teeth grinding could be a sign of a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, and treating this could help reduce grinding and related symptoms.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait for the damage to progress. Reach out to us today to explore treatment options and get relief from jaw, neck, and shoulder pain.
Call us now at 08 8264 5551 to book your next appointment.