People Are Grinding Their Teeth More Than Ever

According to the ABC, 2021 was dubbed as ‘The Year of the Cracked Tooth’ by dental experts. There was just a huge surge in dental issues treated by dentists last year concerning chipped or cracked teeth. These issues usually stem from teeth grinding which can be symptomatic of many conditions. In this blog post your local dentist explores why people are grinding their teeth more than ever and recommends a professional dental consultation if you are experiencing this. 

Why Does Teeth Grinding Occur? 

Two of the most-common catalysts of teeth grinding are stress and anxiety; both perfectly-treatable conditions, but conditions which can cause serious short-term harm nevertheless. When stress or anxiety manifest teeth grinding, it often appears during hours when we are not capable of noticing the impact. The mechanics of teeth grinding are relatively unproven, but experts think that anxiety-centric conditions cause the facial muscles to tense up which results in upper and lower teeth grinding against each other. 

Why The Increase In Teeth Grinding? 

Given the emotional, social and financial hardships many people faced during the 2021 COVID-19 lockdown, it’s not surprising that stress and anxiety levels were up. The prevalence of these conditions has led to an increase in teeth grinding. Where dentists have historically been used to treating at most one case of cracked teeth per day, during the circumstances of 2021, sometimes up to three or four cases were being seen. 

What Does Diagnosis of Teeth Grinding Involve? 

Teeth grinding, sometimes referred to as bruxism, can often go unnoticed until serious. Cracked teeth are some of the most serious symptoms of teeth grinding and are characterised by a sharp pain in the mouth; most prevalent when chewing or brushing. Other symptoms of teeth grinding include: 

• tender jaw muscles, especially when you wake up 
• neck, ear, and shoulder pain 
• dull and persistent tension headaches 
• sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink. 

Who Does Teeth Grinding Affect? 

According to experts, teeth grinding affects primarily everyone from youth to the middle-aged. The more stressed a person is, the more their chances of developing a teeth grinding habit, so, imagining the most-stressful periods of human lives in Australia, it follows that one can gather the times teeth grinding is more frequently seen by dentists. 

When Should I See A Dentist To Check If I’m Grinding My Teeth? 

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, the best idea is to see a local dentist. Depending on why you’re grinding your teeth, a dentist may advise or provide any number of the following treatments and solutions:  

• custom-made mouthguards (also called splints)
• pain medication (painkillers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammation medications) 
• teeth repair (like fillings, crowns, or tooth removal in extreme cases) 
• lifestyle changes (quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake, exercise regularly, eat healthily) 
• mental wellbeing (counselling, relaxation techniques & improve sleeping habits). 

Teeth Grinding Treatment Fortitude Valley – Book an Appointment Today  

Looking to enjoy a more-comfortable smile full of healthy teeth? Book a consultation for teeth grinding treatment at Central Brunswick Dental Centre today.