Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Protecting your teeth from the damage of grinding and clenching at Dentists at Thickwood
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, often happening during sleep without you even knowing it. Over time, bruxism can cause significant damage to your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health. Many people only discover they grind their teeth when a dentist at Dentists at Thickwood notices the wear patterns.
What Is Bruxism?
- Stress and anxiety; the most common trigger
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
- Misaligned bite or crooked teeth
- Certain medications (antidepressants, stimulants)
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Hereditary factors
When to See a Dentist
See a dentist if you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sore teeth, if your partner says they hear you grinding at night, if your teeth appear flattened, chipped, or worn, or if you notice increased tooth sensitivity. Untreated bruxism can crack teeth and damage dental work in Fort McMurray.
Treating Bruxism
A custom-fitted night guard is the most common and effective treatment; it protects your teeth from grinding damage while you sleep. We may also recommend stress management techniques, treating underlying sleep disorders, or adjusting your bite at Dentists at Thickwood. For teeth already damaged by grinding, crowns or bonding can restore them.
Night Guard Options
A night guard (also called an occlusal splint) is a custom-made dental appliance worn while you sleep to prevent the damaging effects of teeth grinding. At Dentists at Thickwood, we create night guards from precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable fit that you are more likely to wear consistently; this is critical because an ill-fitting guard is often abandoned within weeks.
Custom night guards are far superior to over-the-counter boil-and-bite varieties, which are bulky, less comfortable, and may actually change your bite over time. Depending on the severity of your grinding, we may recommend a hard acrylic guard for heavy grinders or a softer, dual-laminate guard for moderate clenchers. Your custom night guard also protects existing dental work including crowns, veneers, and fillings from grinding forces that can crack or dislodge restorations. With proper care, rinsing after each use, storing in its case, and bringing it to your dental appointments in Fort McMurray for inspection, a custom night guard typically lasts three to five years.
Stress Management and Bruxism
Since stress and anxiety are the leading triggers of teeth grinding, addressing the emotional component is just as important as wearing a night guard. Many patients notice that their grinding intensifies during stressful periods at work, during major life changes, or when dealing with anxiety. Developing a calming bedtime routine; avoiding screens for 30 minutes before sleep, taking a warm bath, or practising deep breathing exercises; can reduce nighttime clenching.
During the day, check in with your jaw regularly: your teeth should be slightly apart with your tongue resting gently against the roof of your mouth. Progressive muscle relaxation, where you deliberately tense and release muscle groups from your toes to your jaw, can train your body to release tension. Regular physical exercise is one of the most effective natural stress relievers and has been shown to reduce bruxism severity. Limiting caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening, also helps, as both substances increase grinding activity. If jaw pain or clicking accompanies your grinding, Dentists at Thickwood can evaluate you for TMJ disorder and create a comprehensive treatment plan. Contact us in Fort McMurray to get started.
