TEETH GRINDING

A lot of patients don‘t realise that they‘re grinding or clenching their teeth while sleeping. While it‘s not completely clear exactly what causes teeth grinding, stress seems seems to be a factor in developing this habit.

Mostly, teeth grinding during the night remains unnoticed. The results are only visible after a few years: cracking or hurting jaws and tensed masticatory muscles are some of the symptoms.

Often, the abrasion on the tooth surface is clearly visible. However, the results are not always this dramatic. If discovered early enough most subsequent problems can be avoided or minimised. In many cases wearing an occlusal splint at night is sufficient.

The occlusal splint reduces physiological stress on jaw joints and overactivity of the masticatory muscles as well as protecting teeth from abrasion. If there are already visible symptoms additional diagnosis and therapy might be necessary.