Bruxism & Teeth Grinding Treatment in Canada Water | M Dental SE16

"Teeth Grinding & Jaw Clenching Treatment in Canada Water SE16 

Teeth Grinding (also known as Bruxism) is more common than most people think — and at our Canada Water dental clinic, we treat this condition regularly. It's estimated that around 8% of the population suffers from it, most often during sleep. So much so that you might not even be aware you are doing it, unless someone tells you. 

Why Teeth Grinding is a Problem 

As you might expect any grinding or clenching over time is going to cause damage. Examples of damage include:

• Tooth wear including to the enamel designed to protect them; 

• In some cases it can also lead to fractures because the jaw and teeth have become weakened; 

• Being more prone to decay; 

• Headaches; and 

• Jaw pain which can lead, if not treated, to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

Getting treatment now, rather than waiting, will help you avoid the problems mentioned above and prevent them leading to more serious health concerns. 

Spotting Bruxism 

It may be that you grind your teeth during the day and therefore diagnosing the same is easier. Commonly those who grind their teeth during the day will also clench their teeth or jaw muscles by force of habit or involuntarily. This can lead to headaches, ear pain, stiffness and muscle pain. 

The most common form of bruxism is teeth grinding at night, often when you are asleep. If you are experiencing facial pain, jaw pain, jaw clicking or popping, stiffness in your jaw, unexplained tooth sensitivities, your teeth look worn down, you lose fillings easily or experience loose or broken teeth, this could be due to Bruxism. 

What Causes Bruxism 

Bruxism doesn’t just have one cause. These can be many reasons why people suffer from it. These include:

• Physical Causes: such as misaligned teeth, an incorrect bite, difficulty sleeping. 

• Psychological Causes: such as stress, anxiety and pressure.

• Environmental Causes: such as excess caffeine, smoking, alcohol consumption and some medications. 

• Genetics: some cases have been known to run in families. 

The important thing, if you suffer from Bruxism, is to ensure you receive treatment. Without treatment long-term damage can be caused to your teeth and jaw. It can also start to have an impact on the way you feel and go about your day to day life. In extreme causes it can go on to have a detrimental effect on your overall health. But the good news is there are treatments available for you and we will explore these later in our blog. 

Steps you can try at home to reduce Bruxism 

In some cases of Bruxism there are steps you can do yourself to reduce the problems Bruxism causes. These include:

• Trying to reduce stress in your life. This could be by saying no more, getting a good night’s sleep or asking for help with what’s causing you stress; 

  
  

• Reducing caffeine, quitting smoking and minimising your alcohol intake can all play a part in reducing the effects of Bruxism. 

If you feel that medication is playing a factor in your Bruxism, speak to your doctor about possible changes. 

Dental Treatments for Bruxism at M Dental Canada Water 

Here at M Dental Canada Water, as you probably know, we work hard to ensure we are able to offer you the best in dentistry. Our continuing commitment to utilise new technology means that we are able to offer a relatively new treatment. This treatment is known as BTX treatment. It is essentially an injection which can help stop clenching and grinding for a period of time. Some patients even reported it has stopped them clenching and grinding their teeth completely. Something your teeth and jaw will thank you for. 

Here’s what a recent patient had to say:

Other solutions for Bruxism include mouthguards and splints. Mouthguards are a custom made plastic device worn at night to protect your teeth when you sleep. Whereas splints are designed to fit over your teeth in an attempt to reduce the pressure caused by grinding. Your dentist will discuss with you the best options for you when it comes to treatment. 

Get the help you Need with M Dental Canada Water!

Grinding Your Teeth or Clenching Your Jaw? Take action now to protect your teeth and jaw, as well as your overall health. Book a Bruxism appointment at M Dental, SE16, with our expert team today via our website by clicking here or by giving us a call on 0204 518 8554.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the best treatment for Bruxism?

Answer: This depends on the cause. We offer BTX therapy and custom splints to relieve symptoms and prevent long-term damage.

Question: Do I need to see a dentist if I grind my teeth at night?

Answer: Yes. Grinding can lead to tooth damage, jaw issues, and headaches. We recommend booking a Bruxism consultation at M Dental Canada Water.