Most of us knows someone who grinds their teeth – and those who do also know what a pain it can be for themselves and those around them. It is a very ordinary problem and one which can be fixed with a little help from a dentist.
Bruxism as it is formally known is the description used for people who grind or gnash their teeth; most conventionally in their sleep. Clenching your jaw or gritting your teeth all night could cause damage to your teeth and also frequently causes headaches, a sore face or jaw. Over time it can even weaken the jaw and make it painful to yawn and chew.
No one really knows what causes people to grind their teeth although stress is believed to be one of the culprits. Some medications including antidepressants can trigger the start of a teeth grinding habit, and so can having teeth which are misaligned or slightly off centre. Children also suffer more frequently than adults – perhaps because their teeth are softer more polished than adult teeth.
There is no quick fix for bruxism but wearing a mouth guard can make a huge difference. Take yourself back to school when you played rugby or hockey: those giant pieces of plastic you put in your mouth as a tooth guard, that’s the kind of thing we’re talking about!
A mouth guard helps prevent grinding by creating a barrier that separates the teeth. You can monitor just how bad it is by the wear and tear of the guard. We are not just talking about a simple sports guard though. Nor are we referring to a chemist bought “mould at home” guard. Damien Warmsley, scientific adviser to The British Dental Association says, “Mouth guards work well but they are best fitted professionally. You should see your dentist, who will take an impression and usually fit one on the top teeth. If you get one from the chemist and mould it yourself it won’t fit well enough.”
It might take a little while to get used to a teeth guard but you only have to wear it a night. With the lack of an aching jaw or broken teeth when you wake up it’s something which will help lessen your stress levels and make it a joy to wake up in the morning.
If stress is what causes your bruxism there are plenty of other techniques you can try if a mouth guard is just not your style. By resting your tongue on the roof of your mouth, keeping your lips closed but keeping your teeth apart you hinder the need to clench your jaw. Other times visiting the dentist to realign the teeth or reshape them can ease or completely stop the problem.
We always recommend seeing your dentist or hygienist about teeth grinding as they can give you specialist advice and treatment on how to handle and treat the condition.