Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): What solutions are there available to help ease the pain?

What solutions exist to treat Teeth Grinding (bruxism)?

Do you wake up in the morning experiencing tooth pain? Do your teeth hurt for 2 days or more in a row? Do you experience pain in the morning and possibly headaches and cramps in the jaw… All this might be due to the fact that you are suffering from Teeth Grinding (bruxism).

It is estimated that In Switzerland alone that between 15% and 20% of the population suffer from the condition, a figure that has more than doubled in the last few years. So, what are the causes of this condition: Stress? Anxiety? The sources of Teeth Grinding are varied. In this article, we will take a thorough look at the subject of tooth grinding.

What is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth Grinding is the unintentional grinding or clenching of the teeth. It is a so-called algo-dysfunctional syndrome (no need to remember the definition…). Teeth grinding can happen both at night and during the day – Nocturnal bruxism (sleep bruxism) or Daytime bruxism.

Most of the time, it remains an unconscious act. It’s usually caused by a state of a stress and high anxiety but more rarely by dental occlusion (teeth that are badly positioned).

What are the consequences of Teeth Grinding?

The first thing you may notice is pain in your jaw muscles and joints, which can radiate up to the ears or even the temples and cause headaches of varying intensity. Teeth Grinding weakens the teeth and both the enamel and dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) can be affected by microcracks or even fractures, possibly leading to tooth loss.

Some forms of Teeth Grinding also cause receding gums. Another consequence of Teeth Grinding is a heightened sensitivity to heat or cold, which ends in us spoiling the small pleasures of life (please refer to our article about Sensitive teeth). You could experience therefore a variety of possible symptoms.

Are you wondering whether you should check if you are suffering from Teeth Grinding?

Surprisingly, some people do grind their teeth without feeling any pain, and without even realizing it. That’s why it’s always so important to maintain an annual check-up with your dentist.

If you feel pain, feel that your teeth are damaged or that you have become sensitive to hot or cold food, then it is important to have a complete check-up.

Book an appointment today for a complete check-up

What solutions exist to treat Teeth Grinding?

First, your dentist will make a thorough examination of your teeth and make a diagnosis. Since teeth grinding is often caused by stress and anxiety, your dentist may recommend a solution to treat the underlying causes: Relaxation exercises, physiotherapy for face muscles, therapy, and any other means to help reduce stress.

An additional measure is to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth. Mouth guards are usually made of plastic, rubber or resin and are fitted to your teeth (with a digital dental impression) and are worn at night. They are designed to keep your upper and lower jaw from coming into direct contact, thus preventing further tooth wear.

If you feel pain, or you have noticed that you seem to be clenching your teeth or if you think that you are teeth are damaged in any way, we advise you to book an appointment to get your teeth examined.

Book an appointment today