When Teeth Grinding Shows Up at Night: Do You Need a Mouthguard
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Posted On :
Feb-20-2026
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Article Word Count :
514
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Some dental problems announce themselves loudly. Sleep bruxism, the habit of clenching or grinding during sleep, often doesn’t.
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Some dental problems announce themselves loudly. Sleep bruxism, the habit of clenching or grinding during sleep, often doesn’t. Many people only notice the fallout: a sore jaw at breakfast, a chipped edge on a front tooth, or a partner complaining about a scraping sound.
What Sleep Grinding Looks Like in Real Life
Sleep bruxism is a repetitive jaw-muscle activity linked with clenching or grinding. It can wear teeth, aggravate jaw joints, and damage dental work such as fillings and crowns. Population studies also suggest it’s not rare. One review found sleep bruxism reported in about 16.5% of the general population.
Signs That Point to Grinding
A single sign doesn’t prove you grind, but patterns matter. Common clues include:
• Morning jaw tightness or tired chewing muscles
• Headaches that start near the temples
• Tooth sensitivity without a new cavity
• Flattened biting surfaces or small chips
• A tongue with scalloped edges, or cheeks that look “chewed”
• Clicking or tenderness around the jaw joints
If you recognise several of these, a dental check is worthwhile. A dentist in Balmain can spot wear facets and hairline cracks that are easy to miss in the mirror.
So, Do You Actually Need A Night Mouthguard?
A mouthguard (often called an occlusal splint) doesn’t “cure” bruxism. Its main job is practical: it puts a protective layer between upper and lower teeth and helps spread forces more evenly. That can mean fewer fractures, less wear, and less strain on restorations. Some people also report fewer morning symptoms once the jaw has a consistent, stable surface to bite on.
Over-the-counter guards feel tempting because they’re quick. The drawback is fit. A bulky or poorly fitting guard can irritate gums, affect your bite, and end up in the bedside drawer after a week. Custom guards take longer and cost more, yet they’re made to match your teeth and are usually easier to wear consistently.
What You Can Do Tonight While You Wait
If grinding seems linked to stress, small routine changes can help. Keep caffeine and alcohol earlier in the day, avoid chewing gum, and try a short wind-down that relaxes the jaw: a warm compress for 5–10 minutes and gentle jaw stretches. If you catch yourself clenching during the day, let your lips rest together with teeth slightly apart. It’s a simple reset.
When Grinding Becomes A Bigger Issue
Persistent pain, broken fillings, cracked teeth, or jaw locking deserve prompt attention. Australian health guidance notes that people often aren’t aware they grind during sleep, which can delay care. If you already attend dental Balmain clinic, ask whether your symptoms point to a guard, bite adjustment, or a review for related sleep issues such as snoring or possible sleep apnoea.
Final Notes
If pain escalates, swelling appears, or a tooth fractures, don’t wait it out. Contact an emergency dentist Balmain for advice and timely treatment. A well-made night mouthguard can be a sensible step, but it works best when it’s part of a plan tailored to your mouth and your habits.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_When Teeth Grinding Shows Up at Night: Do You Need a Mouthguard_331638.aspx
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Author Resource :
The author is a dedicated dentist providing comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages. With a focus on preventative, restorative, and emergency dentistry, he is committed to helping individuals achieve and maintain healthy, confident smiles. Visit https://www.scdental.com.au/ for more details.
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Keywords :
dentist in Balmain, dental Balmain, emergency dentist Balmain,
Category :
Health and Fitness
:
Health and Fitness
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