
, or bruxism, is one of the most common dental problems. Up to 75% of us will grind our teeth at one time or another – and we won’t even know it. Usually, it’s a partner or parent who hears the grating sound at night while the grinder sleeps.
Causes. The causes of bruxism vary, but there seems to be a mix of physical and psychological factors. It’s often triggered by a stressful event: starting a new job or school, exams, relationship problems or a personal crisis.
Symptoms include…
- tooth pain
- sensitivity to heat/cold
- broken fillings, chipped/cracked teeth
- jaw pain and disorders
- earaches or hearing problems
- unexplained chronic head/neck aches
- more (link to below text)
Treatment.
- We look for and treat any physical reasons for the grinding. For example, if a filling is too high, we smooth down the teeth and correct the problem.
- We make sure that the grinding hasn’t damaged any teeth. Cracked, chipped or loose teeth are immediately repaired.
- We prevent further damage by fitting you with an Excel NightGuard. This lightweight mouthguard is custom fit to your teeth, and acts as a cushion separating the upper and lower teeth to avoid direct grinding.
- Algester Dental encourages you to practice stress management and relaxation methods. A healthy, relaxed mind will lead to healthy, grind-free teeth!
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