Teeth grinding whilst sleeping is quite common and experienced by children and adults alike. It generally lasts for 3-5 seconds at a time but is repeated many times throughout the course of the night. It’s relatively harmless short term but can be very detrimental if continued long term which is why a splint or nightguard is highly recommended in some instances.
What does a splint look like?
A splint is clear, hard and very similar in appearance to a mouthguard. It can be made to cover the top or bottom teeth, thus protecting them from wear.
What causes teeth grinding?
More people grind their teeth whilst sleeping than awake but may not realise it. The causes vary but it can be habitual or stress related. For many, it’s only a temporary issue but should still be addressed, as grinding might be a symptom of other issues such as problems with the structure of the jaw.
Things to know about night grinding:
- It can cause sensitive teeth thus increasing sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and some foods.
- It can be a contributing cause of jaw pain, neck pain and headaches.
- If left untreated the teeth can form hairline cracks or become short and flat over time which may be complicated and costly to restore.
At Healthy Smiles, we recommend that you make an appointment if you are concerned for yourself or a loved one. We can then help you decide the most appropriate treatment or management.
