Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, is a prevalent dental concern that often goes unnoticed until its damaging effects become evident. At Ten Dental, your trusted private dental practice in Clapham and Balham, we believe that understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for teeth grinding is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.
First of all, what is teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding is the involuntary clenching, gnashing, or grinding of teeth, typically occurring during sleep. While occasional teeth grinding may not cause harm, persistent bruxism can lead to serious dental issues, including worn enamel, jaw pain, headaches, and even damage to dental restorations.
What can cause it?
Identifying the root causes of bruxism is essential for effective treatment. Stress and anxiety are often significant contributors, with many individuals unknowingly grinding their teeth as a response to daily pressures. Other factors include an abnormal bite, crooked or missing teeth, and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
Recognising the symptoms
When it comes to addressing teeth grinding effectively, you must be able to recognise its symptoms early on. Here are a few of the most common signs and symptoms that might indicate you need treatment:
- Sensitivity: worn enamel can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures.
- Pain: persistent clenching and grinding can result in jaw pain, which may extend to the ears or temples.
- Headaches: bruxism often leads to tension headaches, particularly upon waking in the morning.
- Worn-down teeth: The most apparent sign of teeth grinding is the gradual wearing down of tooth surfaces.
Why should you seek help from a dental professional?
At Ten Dental, our experienced team of dentists emphasises the importance of seeking professional help if you suspect you are grinding your teeth. Our state-of-the-art facilities in Clapham and Balham are equipped to diagnose and treat bruxism effectively.
Transformative dental treatments for worn-down teeth
If teeth grinding has already taken a toll on your teeth, restorative treatments are available to repair the damage and restore your smile.
We offer a range of treatments at Ten Dental that can successfully reverse the damage caused by grinding, to restore the vitality of your smile. They include:
Composite bonding
This involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the damaged teeth, restoring their shape and function.
Dental crowns
For more severe cases, dental crowns can be used to cover and protect extensively worn or damaged teeth.
Veneers
Thin porcelain shells can be bonded to the front surfaces of teeth, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for worn enamel.
Orthodontic treatment
Correcting misalignments through orthodontic interventions can alleviate the pressure on teeth, reducing the likelihood of grinding.
Combination treatments
Sometimes a combination of the treatments above is required to treat the tooth wear that occurs as a result of grinding.
Why choose Ten Dental to restore your worn teeth?
Ten Dental stands out as a leading private dental practice with clinics in Clapham and Balham, providing comprehensive solutions for teeth grinding and its consequences. Our skilled team is committed to delivering personalised care tailored to your unique needs:
- Prevention is key, and routine dental examinations at Ten Dental can help identify signs of bruxism early on. Our dentists will assess your oral health and recommend appropriate interventions to prevent further damage.
- At Ten Dental, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of dental technology. Our clinics are equipped with cutting-edge tools and diagnostic equipment to ensure accurate assessments and effective treatments.
- Our team of highly trained dentists combines expertise with compassion, creating a comfortable and supportive environment for all our patients. We understand the impact of teeth grinding on your oral health and provide tailored solutions to address your concerns.
Don’t let teeth grinding spoil your smile
Teeth grinding can have serious implications for your oral health, but with the right knowledge and professional care, you can mitigate its effects.
If you suspect you are grinding your teeth or have already experienced dental damage, don’t hesitate to visit Ten Dental. Our experienced team is ready to provide personalised solutions and help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Visit our website to book your appointment today!