How can I protect my teeth if I grind them at night?

Grinding your teeth is part of a bigger parafunction issue that can cause pain and damage to your teeth. Some studies quote that up to 90% of the general population have parafunction issues.
Grinding is just the tip of the iceberg here. Let’s take a look at how and why grinding occurs, and what we can do about it.

 

What is parafunction? Is it the same as grinding?

Parafunction is any habit that does not include eating or speaking. In most people, this is grinding your teeth either when awake or asleep. In others, it looks like clenching your jaw, lip biting, thumb sucking, or chewing on objects like pens.

The exact reason people grind is unknown, but it is linked to stress and pain. For example, someone with a sore shoulder may grind their teeth as a pain response. Someone who is about to sit exams may start to grind their teeth in the lead up to their exams. When you come in to see us, we will ask you about your lifestyle and medical history to try and pinpoint any underlying cause. Other people may grind for no obvious reason.

 

How do I know if I am grinding?

People commonly have a combination of these symptoms:

  • Pain in their teeth that might get worse with chewing
  • Generalised pain in their jaw
  • Pain on waking up
  • Sore muscles around their jaw, head, neck, and shoulders.
  • Clicking temporomandibular joint, either on opening or closing.
  • More instances of lockjaw.
  • Headaches in the temples and back of head.

 

What should I do about my grinding?

  1. The simplest thing to do is awareness. Being aware that your teeth are not touching in the daytime, when you are driving, at your computer, on your couch, etc, is the first step.
  2. If you find you are still having tooth and jaw pain, the next step is to have a occlusal splint made. This is a small device worn on either the upper or lower. It is much smaller than a mouthguard.
  3. In addition to an occlusal splint, remedial massage and physiotherapy can help with any tension in the head and neck area.
  4. Some people may need botox in their chewing muscles to help the grinding. This therapy usually needs to be done every 6 months.

If you think you are grinding, the first step is to come and chat with us. We can help pinpoint the cause of the grinding, monitor your symptoms, and recommend therapies.

 

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