Our dentist Welwyn Garden City is committed to providing exceptional oral care to our patients; we believe in educating our patients about common dental issues. Today, we want to talk about a condition that affects many people – bruxism.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is a medical term used to describe the clenching or grinding of teeth. It can occur at any time, whether you’re awake or asleep. While occasional teeth grinding may not be a serious issue, chronic bruxism can lead to a variety of dental problems, including damaged teeth, jaw pain, and headaches.

In some cases, bruxism can be caused by medication side-effects, such as SSRIs and other groups of antidepressants. But, in other cases, it may be due to bite alignment, or even issues relating to stress.

Are you grinding your teeth?

Do you often wake up with an aching jaw or headaches? Do your teeth feel sensitive? These are all signs that you might be grinding your teeth. If you suspect that you’re grinding your teeth, it’s important to schedule a consultation with our dental clinic, Neel Dentistry,  to determine the cause and discuss treatment options.

What causes bruxism?

There are a variety of causes for bruxism, including stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders. This is also a known side effect of many medications. Understanding the cause of your bruxism is critical to developing an effective treatment plan. Our dentist Welwyn Garden City will work with you to determine the underlying cause of your bruxism and develop a customised multi-faceted treatment plan to address the issue.

The benefits of treating bruxism

Treating bruxism can alleviate symptoms such as jaw pain and headaches. It can also prevent further damage to your teeth, such as cracks or chips. Additionally, addressing bruxism can improve your sleep quality and overall wellbeing.

Seeking treatment for bruxism

If you’re experiencing symptoms of bruxism, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Our dental clinic offers a variety of treatment options, including custom mouthguards, behavioural therapy, and medication. But you should note that we are not able to advise you to stop taking medications that may be causing the bruxism and dental grinding, so if you suspect that this is a side-effect of medication, you will need to talk to your doctor. But we’ll work with you to determine the best course of action for your unique situation.

Tips to help prevent bruxism

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent bruxism, there are some concrete steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include reducing stress levels, avoiding stimulating substances like caffeine and nicotine before bed, and practising relaxation techniques before bedtime.

Protect your teeth and improve your quality of life

At our dentist Welwyn Garden City, we understand the impact that bruxism can have on your oral health and overall wellbeing. That’s why we offer personalised treatment options to address this common issue. If you suspect that you’re grinding your teeth, don’t hesitate to get in contact, and schedule a consultation with our team. Protect your teeth and improve your quality of life today.