Skip to main content

4 signs you might be grinding your teeth at night


Canva



I have been a life-long tooth grinder.  As a child my parents could hear my nocturnal gnashing from their bedroom and it continued into adulthood. 

However, despite my line of work, I only recently had a splint made to wear at night and I've noticed a huge improvement. I knew all the symptoms and issues that can arise from tooth grinding, but seemed to just accept it as a part of my life.

But no more!

So I've put together a list of signs to watch out for, so that you don't do what I did.  While the following symptoms are common in those of us who grind our teeth, they may be the result of a different ailment, so always get any issues you have checked out.

1. Headaches

Headaches can be a common symptom of grinding or clenching, particularly when you experience them first thing in the morning and the pain is located around your temples and/or ears.

2. Jaw pain or tenderness

The average human bite produces 70 lbs of pressure when chewing food.  If you grind or clench while you sleep the force you produce can be a whopping 6 times greater.  Little wonder your jaw isn't feeling too comfy!

3.  Difficulty opening your mouth fully

Grinding can cause some issues with the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull (known as the TMJ).  As a result you may have symptoms such as difficulty opening your mouth wide, clicking of your jaw or even locking if you open too wide.


4. Tooth wear and/or sensitivity 

A sure sign that you are grinding your teeth is excessive tooth wear or chipping of the edges of your teeth.  The teeth can appear shorter and flatter.  Sensitivity to cold and hot foods and drinks can result as the protective enamel is worn away.  But don't panic, you can't re-grow enamel but your dentist will be able to offer you ways of restoring the worn teeth and improving their appearance.

(Take a look at our blog post on Cosmetic Bonding and Contouring)


You may experience a couple of the symptoms listed, or if you are particularly unlucky like me, you might suffer all of them at one stage or another.  But please don't suffer in silence.  We offer several options that can successfully reduce tooth grinding and relieve your symptoms.

So don't put up with it like I did.  Mention it to your dentist the next time you have a check-up or give our Reception Team a call on 02892663022 and arrange an appointment.

Heather @ BWD 😁



















Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Leave the Dentistry to Us!

A few days ago I was scrolling through Facebook, putting off all the other things I should have been doing, when an advert popped up from a 'legitimate company', offering a not-to-be missed opportunity to straighten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.  No pesky dentist, no messy impressions,  no fuss, simply order a one-size-fits-all appliance that would have your teeth straight within weeks. On further investigation the 'appliance' turned out to be a cheap sports guard type device.  This was to be worn at night, and within days your teeth would magically begin to straighten. A glutton for punishment, I went straight to the comments. One young man asked  "How much is this please? I've been quoted over £2000 to just have 6 teeth at the top and 6 teeth at the bottom straightened!" A lady thoroughly recommended the device. "I got these and could feel my teeth moving within 2 days, I swear!".  Another user a

Cosmetic Bonding and Contouring

Image: Canva Hooray, Spring is on the way! I don't know about you but I do prefer leaving work in daylight. You might be thinking about how to improve your smile leading up to the summer season, but you're concerned about the cost and time involved. Here Dr. Emma Dougherty discusses a fast and  affordable way to achieve a beautiful smile. "Cosmetic bonding and contouring is a great way to give you a beautiful, natural looking smile. It is much less destructive to your teeth than traditional porcelain veneers, provides an instant result and is very affordable.  As a result, the technique is growing in popularity, with Glamour Magazine dubbing it "The hot new way to get a celebrity smile".  The treatment requires no needles  and no drilling, we are simply adding small amounts of tooth-coloured filling material and reshaping your teeth to achieve a more youthful and symmetrical appearance.  This can be done in one visit to give you a perfect, sam

Our guide to making dental treatment more affordable

      At Bachelors Walk Dental we strive to provide you with the best treatment possible, but we are also aware of the financial implications for our patients.  We don't want cost to be a barrier to your improved oral health or the beautiful smile you've been dreaming of.   So we have several payment options for you.   "Pay As You Go"   Lots of patients simply pay for their treatment as it is completed.  We don't generally ask for full payment  "up front", although some of our treatments may require a deposit before proceeding.  You will be provided with an itemised estimate at the start of your course of treatment, and if it suits you to pay in this manner, that's absolutely fine. Practice Plan This is a simple, flexible way to pay for your dental care.  For a small monthly payment we provide you with a comprehensive maintenance, prevention and treatment programme which includes:   2 extensive examinations 2 or