Have you ever woken up with a sore jaw, sensitive teeth or a headache around your temples?
You might be grinding or clenching your teeth without even realising it.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can happen while you’re asleep or during the day. While occasional clenching may not cause problems, frequent grinding can place extra pressure on your teeth and jaw muscles.
At Asquith Dentists, we help patients from Asquith, Hornsby, Mount Colah, Berowra and surrounding areas identify and manage dental concerns associated with grinding and clenching.
1. Waking Up With Jaw Pain or Headaches
One of the signs of teeth grinding is waking up with a tired, tight or aching jaw.
Some people also experience headaches around their temples or discomfort when chewing.
These symptoms can have several causes, but persistent morning jaw discomfort is worth discussing with your dentist.
2. Worn, Chipped or Flattened Teeth
Over time, grinding can gradually wear down the biting surfaces of your teeth.
You might notice that your teeth appear flatter, have small chips or develop fine cracks.
Excessive pressure can also contribute to damage to existing fillings, crowns and other dental restorations.
3. Increased Tooth Sensitivity
Have your teeth become more sensitive to cold drinks or certain foods?
Repeated grinding can contribute to tooth wear and expose sensitive areas of the teeth.
However, sensitivity can also be caused by decay, gum recession or other dental problems, so a proper examination is important.
4. What Causes Teeth Grinding?
There isn’t always one clear cause.
Stress, sleep disturbances and certain medications can be associated with bruxism. Some people also clench their teeth while concentrating, driving or working.
Because grinding can happen unconsciously, you may not notice it until symptoms develop.
5. Can a Night Guard Help?
If you’re grinding your teeth while sleeping, your dentist may recommend a custom-made night guard.
A night guard is designed to provide a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping reduce direct tooth-to-tooth wear.
While it doesn’t necessarily stop grinding itself, it can help protect your teeth from further damage.
Your dentist can assess your bite, tooth wear and symptoms to determine whether a night guard is appropriate.
When Should You See a Dentist?
If you’re regularly waking up with jaw discomfort, noticing chipped teeth or experiencing unexplained sensitivity, it’s worth arranging a dental check-up.
Early assessment may help identify tooth wear before more extensive damage occurs.
Looking for a Dentist Near Hornsby or Mount Colah?
Conveniently located at 359 Pacific Highway, Asquith, Asquith Dentists provides general, preventive and restorative dental care for patients from Hornsby, Mount Colah, Berowra, Asquith and surrounding Upper North Shore suburbs.
Whether you’re concerned about teeth grinding, tooth sensitivity or simply haven’t had a check-up in a while, our team is here to help.
New to Asquith Dentists?
Our New Patient Check-Up & Clean is No Gap* with eligible health funds, or $189 for patients without private health insurance.
A dental examination gives us an opportunity to assess your teeth and gums, look for signs of wear and discuss any concerns about grinding or clenching.
Asquith Dentists
359 Pacific Highway, Asquith NSW
(02) 8014 4288
Waking up with a sore jaw or noticing signs of tooth wear? Book an appointment with Asquith Dentists today.