Teeth grinding

Can stress cause teeth grinding?

Grinding tends to occur subconsciously, often while we sleep, and is thought to be linked to stress and anxiety. Some possible causes are:

• Emotional stress
• Mental concentration
• Physical illness
• Certain medications.

Symptoms

Some signs that you’re clenching and grinding your teeth:

• Headache, jaw joint or ear pain
• Sensitive teeth, especially upon waking
• Pain or tenderness in your face, jaw joints, neck or shoulders
• Tooth indentations on your tongue or cheek.

Treatment options for teeth grinding

• Stretching
• Anti-inflammatory pain relief
• Stress management techniques
• Using a custom-fitted nightguard.

Nightguards at Health Partners Dental

How does it work?

Wearing a nightguard while you sleep can help ease your pain and protect your teeth from damage done by grinding and clenching.

How’s it fitted?

Your Health Partners Dentist will:

1. Examine your teeth and determine if a nightguard is the best solution for you.
2. Take impressions of your upper and lower teeth and bite to create the nightguard.
3. Book a follow-up appointment to provide you with your nightguard and check it fits correctly.

Click here for more info on nightguards.