Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) Kensington
You may be clenching or grinding your teeth without even realising it.
For many people, this happens during sleep, but some notice it when they are awake, especially in times of stress or deep concentration.
Most people are unaware of the habit until a partner mentions hearing grinding sounds at night or they start feeling discomfort in their jaw or teeth.
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, can range from mild to severe. In minor cases, it might not cause much concern, but ongoing or forceful grinding can wear down the teeth, cause sensitivity, and lead to jaw pain or headaches. If left untreated, it can even result in long term damage to your teeth and jaw joints.
Teeth Grinding in Kensington
At Tooth Heaven, we regularly see patients from Kensington and nearby areas who experience teeth grinding and clenching.
Our caring dentists can identify the signs of bruxism early and recommend simple, effective solutions to protect your teeth and improve your comfort. These may include custom fitted night guards, bite adjustments or stress management techniques.
As we often remind our patients, prevention is always better than cure. Regular dental check ups allow us to spot early warning signs and prevent future problems.
Just as you would service your car every 10,000 kilometres, your teeth also deserve regular maintenance every six months. After all, you use them every day, and they are an essential part of your health and your smile.
If you suspect that you might be grinding your teeth or waking up with jaw pain or headaches, book a consultation at Tooth Heaven today. We are your trusted dentist for teeth grinding in Kensington, providing gentle care and lasting protection for your smile.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
It may be hard to notice it if it's a mild case. A trained eye or a local professional who takes photos at regular intervals would be able to pick it up. However, the obvious signs are:
- Tired or tight jaw muscles, including locked jaw
- Pain or soreness in your jaw, neck, face or ears
- Headaches
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Fractured, cracked or chipped teeth
- Tooth loss
- Flattened or worn teeth
- Increased tooth pain or sensitive teeth
- Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek
- Disrupted sleep
Causes of Bruxism
Teeth Grinding can be multifactorial, but the usual causes are:
- Loss of support from certain teeth
- Chewing on the one side (whether by choice or due to loss of back teeth)
- Increased stress, anxiety or frustration
- Age – more common amongst young children
- Personality – including competitive, or hyperactive
- Medications
- Family history
- Other medical disorders such as sleep-related disorders including sleep apnoea
How to treat Teeth Grinding?
Fixing the problem is one thing. The most important thing is to treat the cause. As sometimes the causes can be multifactorial, a multipronged approach might be necessary to address it.
It’s more than "just teeth"
To help our patients enjoy an optimal level of oral health, free of disease and discomfort, the team here at Tooth Heaven offers the following preventative services:
- Check-ups and Cleans
- Gum Disease Treatment
- At- Home Dental Care
- TMJ and Bruxism / Grinding Treatment
If you notice any of the symptoms above, speak to your dental practitioner, at a suitable time for you and arrange for an inspection.
Relief for Teeth Grinding Starts Here
If you notice your child grinding their teeth or suffering from any symptoms, make sure to mention this at their next appointment.