How to Protect Your Teeth from Grinding & Clenching

Teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism, is a common issue that many people face – often without even realising it. Whether it occurs during the day or, more commonly, at night while you’re asleep, bruxism can lead to a variety of problems, from damaged teeth to painful jaw muscles and headaches. 

But the good news is, you don’t have to suffer in silence! With the right care and preventive measures, you can protect your smile and ensure your teeth stay healthy and strong. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of teeth grinding, how to spot the signs, and effective ways to protect your teeth from this harmful habit. 

Why Do We Grind and Clench Our Teeth? 

Some of the most common causes of bruxism include: 

Stress and anxiety: 

Many people unconsciously grind their teeth when they’re stressed or anxious. It can happen during the day when you’re feeling tense or at night during sleep as a way to cope with underlying emotional stress. 

Sleep disorders: 

Teeth grinding is often linked with sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea or snoring. When the airway becomes blocked, the body responds with muscle contractions in the jaw, which causes clenching and grinding. 

Teeth misalignment: 

If you’re teeth aren’t properly aligned, your bite may cause you to grind or clench your teeth as your body tried to find a comfortable position. This can be corrected with our options for braces in Essex.  

Medications or stimulants: 

Certain medications or stimulants, like caffeine or alcohol, can contribute to bruxism by increasing muscle tension or disrupting sleep.  

Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Grinding and Clenching  

The signs of bruxism can be subtle at first, but if left untreated, they can cause serious damage. Some of the most common signs to look out for include: 

• Jaw pain and muscle tightness  
• Tooth sensitivity and enamel damage  
• Headaches 
• Sleep disturbances  
• Earaches 
• Clicking jaw  

How to Protect Your Teeth from Grinding and Clenching  

Fortunately, there are many ways you can protect your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching, such as: 

Mouthguards: 

Custom-made mouthguards are one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth from the damage caused by bruxism. These guards create a barrier between your teeth and prevents them from grinding against each other during sleep.  

Stress management: 

Finding ways to manage stress can significantly reduce the occurrence of teeth grinding. You can try relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even regular physical activity to help lower your stress levels. 

Improving sleep hygiene: 

Good sleep habits are essential to preventing bruxism. Avoiding stimulants like caffeine or alcohol before bed can improve your sleep quality and reduce grinding.  

Orthodontic treatment: 

If misalignment is contributing to your bruxism, our dentists in Hornchurch offer a range of orthodontic options, from traditional orthodontics to Invisalign and beyond.  

Joint Vibrational Analysis: 

We also use Joint Vibrational Analysis to diagnose and treat jaw issues like bruxism and TMJ. This advanced technology helps us assess your jaw joints, muscles, and bite, allowing us to pinpoint the exact causes of grinding and clenching. It also helps us to ensure any dental restorations are perfectly fitted to your bite, improving their longevity and saving you time and money on future treatments.  

Find Relief with Perfect Smile Spa  

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of teeth grinding or clenching, it’s important to take action sooner rather than later. Ignoring the issue can lead to long-term damage to your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health. Thankfully, help is available, and with the right treatment plan, you can protect your smile and reduce the impact of bruxism.  

Our TJM and bruxism treatment in Essex here at Perfect Smile Spa is made to help you find relief and restore your oral health. Whether you’re dealing with the discomfort of jaw pain or looking to prevent further damage to your teeth, we’re here to help you achieve a healthier, pain-free smile.  

Don’t wait for the problem to get worse – book your free consultation with Perfect Smile Spa today!