Teeth Grinding and Bruxism Treatment

How Night Guards Reduce the Problem of Teeth Grinding?

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the term used when someone grinds their teeth or repeatedly clenches their jaw when they are not actually chewing. It often happens without the person realising it and can occur during the day or while asleep.

When Does Teeth Grinding Happen?

Teeth grinding can occur both at night and during the day.

Night-time bruxism usually happens during sleep, so most people are unaware that it is occurring. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) classifies sleep bruxism as a sleep-related movement disorder. It is described as clenching or grinding the teeth during sleep, and the intensity and frequency can vary from one night to the next.

The sound of sleep grinding or clenching is often quite distinctive. It may be loud enough to be heard from across a room, while awake bruxism is usually silent. Daytime clenching is more commonly linked with stress and anxiety and is believed to be different from the involuntary grinding that happens during sleep.

Can Teeth Grinding Damage Your Teeth?

Sleep bruxism can lead to toothache, jaw pain or facial discomfort. Over time, it can also cause abnormal wear on the teeth.

The person who is grinding is usually unaware of the repeated clenching or grinding, although they may wake with facial pain or headaches. The sound of grinding can be disturbing for bed partners and may affect the quality of everyone’s sleep.

Some people grind only occasionally, for example, once a month, while others may grind almost every night.

How Common Is Teeth Grinding?

Many people will clench or grind their teeth at some stage in life. For most, it is mild and never becomes a major issue. Studies suggest that up to around 85% of people experience some degree of tooth grinding over their lifetime, but it becomes clinically important only for a small proportion.

Bruxism can also occur in infants and children and may not always need treatment. Certain medical conditions or periods of significant stress, such as after a serious accident, can also trigger bruxism in people who have not had it before.

Typical Age and Gender for Bruxism

Bruxism can appear at any age, but it is seen more often in younger people and tends to become less common with age. It can affect both males and females; there is no clear gender difference.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), sleep bruxism is a sleep disorder with no single, definitive cure. Bruxism is considered a type of parasomnia and is thought to be linked with psychological factors and stress-related reactions.

At the moment, there is no permanent cure, but enamel protecting mouthguards or splints are the most widely used treatment to reduce damage to the teeth.

How Do I Know If I Am Grinding My Teeth?

Diagnosing teeth grinding is usually straightforward and is based on the clinical findings your dentist sees. Dentists can detect bruxism by identifying patterns of tooth wear that are not consistent with normal chewing.

Problems that may be related to night-time grinding include:

Some people become aware of their grinding because they or their partner hears the sound at night.

Bruxism can also present with specific symptoms and signs, such as:

Your Dental Nook dentist may recommend a bite plate or occlusal splint as part of your treatment. These appliances help protect the teeth from excessive clenching forces, although they do not cure bruxism itself.

Dental Restorations and Bruxism

Bruxism is linked with a higher failure rate of dental restorations. Constant grinding can cause cusp fractures, chip fillings or shorten the life of dental veneers.

When dentists plan crowns, veneers or dental implants, they take the heavy biting forces from bruxism into account. Research indicates that people who grind their teeth have a significantly higher risk of implant complications than those who do not.

People with sleep bruxism may complain of:

These symptoms are signals to arrange a dental assessment. Patients with bruxism should see a dentist so that tooth wear can be measured, monitored and managed.

Dental Treatment for Bruxism

Protective dental appliances are widely used to manage bruxism. These devices help control clenching forces, limit tooth wear and reduce the risk of fractures.

Soft, vacuum-formed mouthguards are relatively cost-effective and can also be used as a short-term diagnostic aid. Over time, a determined bruxer can still wear through these guards, so they may need to be replaced.

For more severe sleep bruxism, your dentist may prescribe a custom occlusal bite splint. You may still clench or grind while wearing the splint, but the appliance takes the pressure instead of your teeth, reducing long-term damage.

If your teeth are already heavily worn, your dentist may suggest restoring them with crowns or other treatments. In some cases, psychological or psychiatric support may also be helpful, particularly where bruxism is related to stress or other emotional factors.

Bruxism and Your Night-time Routine

To help ease muscle tension before sleep, a warm heat pack can be placed on the jaw area. It is also wise to avoid drinks and substances that may make bruxism worse, such as alcohol and caffeine, and to be cautious with medications known to increase clenching, including some antipsychotic medicines. Chewing gum can also encourage jaw activity before bed.

Some substances and medications can trigger or intensify bruxism. For more severe cases, your healthcare professional may consider prescribing a muscle relaxant as part of a broader management plan.

Where in Brisbane Can I Get a Night Guard for Teeth Grinding?

If you are concerned about teeth grinding, you can have a custom night guard made at Dental Nook in Brisbane.

Our team will take an impression or digital scan of your teeth and arrange for a high quality guard to be made by an expert dental technician. Once it is ready, you will return to our Brisbane clinic so we can check the fit and make any fine adjustments needed for comfort and protection.

How to Care for Your Bruxism Night Guard (Dental Splint)

Your Dental Nook dentist may provide you with a dental splint, also called a night guard or bruxism splint. Proper care helps protect your appliance and your teeth.

Rinse your night guard as soon as you take it out of your mouth using lukewarm water, removing any debris.
Gently brush the splint with a soft toothbrush only. Do not use regular toothpaste, as it may contain abrasives that scratch the material.
Allow the splint to dry completely before placing it in its case. Bacteria thrive in damp conditions.
Store your guard in its protective case whenever it is not in use.
Keep the case clean and dry. You can wash it periodically with a small amount of dishwashing liquid and rinse well.
Once a week, soak the splint in a mixture of mouthwash and water for around 30 minutes (but no longer than an hour), then rinse and dry.

Looking after your night guard may seem like an extra task at first, but once it becomes part of your regular routine, it is quick and straightforward – and it plays an important role in protecting your teeth while you sleep.