Does your jaw, head or neck ache after you wake? Are your teeth suddenly tender or coming loose? If so, you may be grinding your teeth at night or clenching your jaw during the day.
Teeth Grinding Treatment
Grinding the teeth together is called bruxing and squeezing the teeth together is called clenching. Since these acts are not part of the normal function they are called ‘para function’. Para function normally takes place during sleep but may also occur during the day and may be unknown to the conscious mind.
Teeth Grinding Symptoms | Bruxism sufferers may experience:
- Headaches
- Tension in the temple region
- Neck pain and tension
- Pain behind the eyes
- Sore jaw muscles and tired muscles upon wakening
- Toothache
- Chipped or fractured teeth
Causes of para function
- Structural triggers – bite discrepancy between the most comfortable position of the jaw joint and the most comfortable way that the teeth come together.
- Psychological triggers – stress and nervous tension
- Chemical triggers – intake of caffeine and amphetamines can enhance the contractions of the jaw muscles and bring about severe clenching and grinding as can withdrawal from drug dependencies such as nicotine.
- Habitual – after months or even years of grinding and clenching the act becomes a habit so to eliminate other factors will not completely stop habitual grinding and clenching without addressing the habit itself.
Protecting and Correcting Teeth Grinding Damage
Perhaps the most immediate, least expensive and most effective way of stopping the damage and severity of grinding and clenching is through the making of a repositioning splint. A repositioning splint looks like a traditional night guard but has certain functions built into it. The device not only protects your teeth when you grind but in addition, it reduces your urge to grind.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of bruxism, you must act fast to stop further damage. Supreme Dental Lalor specialises in the complete treatment of teeth grinding, from identifying causes to treating severe symptoms.
Call us at (03) 9465 7707 and book your appointment with our professional, caring dentists right away!
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Have Some Questions?
What Insurances Do You Accept?
At Supreme Dental Lalor, we accept all insurance with HICAPS. We’re a preferred practice for Medibank, HCF and smile.com.
What Other Forms of Payment Do You Accept?
Along with insurance, we accept cash, credit card and government vouchers, such as CDBS, DVA and TAC.
Is there on-site parking?
Supreme Dental Lalor is conveniently located in Lalor opposite to Woolworths Lalor. We have on site disabled parking, as well as 100 car spaces in front of Woolworths available.