Jaw Pain (Teeth Grinding)
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching (also called bruxism) is often related to stress or anxiety. It does not always cause symptoms, but some people get facial pain and headaches, and it can wear down your teeth over time. Most people who grind their teeth and clench their jaw are not aware they're doing it. It often happens during sleep, or while concentrating or under stress.
Symptoms of teeth grinding include
Treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism) include:
Facial pain and headaches often disappear when you stop grinding your teeth
Symptoms of teeth grinding include
- Facial pain and stiffness in the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) and surrounding muscles, which can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
- Headache / Earache, Disrupted sleep, Worn-down teeth & Broken teeth or fillings.
- Stress or anxiety and many people are not aware they do it. It often happens during sleep.
- A side effect of taking certain types of medicine. In particular, teeth grinding is sometimes linked to a type of antidepressant.
- Sleep disorders Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), you're more likely to grind your teeth while you sleep. OSA interrupts your breathing while you sleep.
- Lifestyle Drinking alcohol, Smoking, having lots of caffeinated drinks, such as tea or coffee (6 or more cups a day)
Treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism) include:
Facial pain and headaches often disappear when you stop grinding your teeth
- A Bitesplint is quite effective in preventing Teeth Grinding and reducing the symptoms of teeth grinding. It is custom built for you after Impressions are made by the dentist & sent to the Dental Lab where it’s fabricated from high quality harder plastic and fits precisely over your upper or lower teeth. Mouth Splints are usually quite sturdy and they last for several years, compared to mouth guards which usually only last for less than a year.
- If you're awake when you grind your teeth, you might find it useful to record how often you grind your teeth each day. You can then work out when you're more likely to do it and why – for example, when you're concentrating or stressed.
- Talk to our expert dentist if you think you are grinding your teeth, who will check your teeth and jaw for signs of bruxism, help you work out the possible causes and suggest appropriate treatment.