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Treatment for teeth grinding

Tooth grinding, sometimes called bruxism, does not cause any problem, but for some persons, it may lead to headache, pain, and wearing down of the teeth. Some people clench and grind their teeth when stressed, asleep or when they feel anxious.

Teeth grinding symptoms

The following are a few symptoms that occur from grinding the teeth.

  • Worn-down teeth
  • Earache
  • Facial pain
  • Headache
  • Broken teeth or fillings
  • Disruption of sleep
  • Pain and stiffness of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles
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Causes of grinding the teeth

Some people grind their teeth due to any of the following

Medication

Certain antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may cause teeth grinding.

Stress and anxiety

Some people may grind their teeth while sleeping if they feel stressed or anxious.

Lifestyle

Teeth grinding may result from drinking alcohol, smoking, taking excess of certain drinks like coffee and tea. Using drugs like cocaine may also cause teeth grinding.

Sleep disorders

If you snore at night or suffer from a sleep disorder, you may experience teeth grinding while you sleep.

Teeth grinding treatment

Different treatments are available for people who grind their teeth. You may opt for a mouthguard or splint to reduce the effect of the teeth clenching or grinding. Mouthguards also help reduce the pain and prevent dental conditions like tooth decay which may occur due to teeth grinding.

Other treatments for teeth grinding include muscle relaxation exercises and sleep hygiene. If the cause of your teeth grinding is anxiety or stress, you may receive a cognitive behavioural therapy while using a mouthguard.

How to stop grinding the teeth

Your dentist will recommend a mouthguard to reduce the effect of teeth grinding. If you grind your teeth when you feel stressed, your healthcare provider will recommend ways to reduce stress. This may include stress counselling and a stress-reducing exercise. A therapist may also recommend muscle relaxants.

Other methods to prevent teeth grinding

  • Teeth grinding intensifies after taking alcohol, so reduce your intake of alcohol
  • Reduce your intake of drinks and food with caffeine like chocolate and coffee.
  • Try to relax your jaw muscles at night by applying warm cloth on your cheek
  • Avoid chewing gums, pen and pencils because this makes the jaw to become used to the teeth clenching and grinding motion
  • During flare-ups, allow your jaw muscles to relax by using anti-inflammatory pain medications like ibuprofen and eating soft foods.
  • If you grind your teeth in the day time, position your tongue between your teeth to help your jaw muscles relax.
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Effect of teeth grinding

Teeth grinding may make the teeth become loose or fracture the teeth. It may also cause loss of the teeth or wearing down of the teeth. If your teeth get damaged from grinding them, you may need to get partial or complete dentures, bridges, crowns, implants or root canal treatment.

If you grind your teeth, visit Addiscombe Dental Surgery to get a suitable treatment. You can contact our Croydon dental office on info@addiscombedental.co.uk or 020 8654 1580 to book an appointment for your teeth grinding treatment.

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