Do you clench or grind your teeth? A condition known as bruxism.
Common symptoms may include a sore or tired jaw, difficulties opening and closing the jaw, trouble chewing on food, tension headaches, pain in joints (TMJ), sensitive teeth, ear ache, broken, chipped or severely worn teeth.
However in many cases a person does not even know they are grinding their teeth, usually the person’s family member may hear the grinding while they are sleeping or dentists can identify wear patterns in your teeth during your dental check up.
An occlusal splint (nightguard, bite guard, bite plane) is a simple preventive appliance to minimise the symptoms of bruxism. It is a custom made appliance worn at night to fit over either the upper or lower teeth and helps to relieve abnormal pressures on the TMJ, its supporting structures and muscles and also prevents further wear of your teeth.
Please contact the team at Stirling Smiles Dental if you are concerned you are experiencing any bruxism related symptoms. Sometimes symptoms can suggest different or additional problems so it is important to visit us for a full evaluation and to determine if an occlusal splint would be appropriate for you.
