Don’t let your teeth grinding or clenching cause serious long-term damage to your teeth!
Rainbow Dental Centre in Angus, Ontario offers 3D printed custom nightguards and splints to prevent damage caused by grinding and clenching.
Many people believe bruxism (also known as teeth grinding) is a harmless bad habit that may be a sign of anxiety or stress. This is not always the case! Teeth grinding and clenching can cause major damage to your teeth and jaw over a lengthy period of time. This habit can create chronic jaw, muscle and facial pain, premature aging of teeth, hypersensitivity, headaches, loosening of teeth, and abfractions (notches) to the teeth usually seen at the gumline. Some people may not be aware they suffer from bruxism, as it may only occur at night. You may subconsciously grind or clench your teeth during the day or night. If you are not sure if you have bruxism, look for simple signs such as:
- Worn down or short teeth
- Dents along the side of your tongue, also known as scalloping
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Sore jaw
- Popping or clicking sounds when you open or close your mouth
- Bony growths along the bottom jaw on the floor of your mouth
- Cracked or fractured teeth
Bruxism can be a symptom of stress or emotions, a bad habit, sleep problems such as sleep apnea or snoring, abnormal alignment of lower and upper teeth or even a side effect of a medication you have been prescribed. Attending your regular dental checkup will ensure any signs and symptoms of grinding and clenching are identified early.
In some cases, treatment for bruxism isn’t needed, such as for children who may grow out of it. There are splints or mouthguards that can be custom-made to help manage grinding and clenching during the night. If bruxism is caused by improperly aligned teeth, braces may help treat it. In other cases treatment may include behaviour therapy, biofeedback and stress management.
The team at Rainbow Dental Centre can help you deal with teeth grinding. For more information about bruxism treatment or to schedule an exam, please contact the dental team at Rainbow Dental Centre in Angus, Ontario.
Rainbow Dental Centre 1 Water Street Angus, ON, L0M 1B0 Canada 705 424 0873 or angusrainbowdental@gmail.com
