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Ever wondered why your jaw feels sore when you wake up? Or why you can’t seem to shake that morning tension headache? Clenching, gritting and grinding your teeth can be an indication of emotional stress, amongst other things, and can lead to damaging your teeth. Here’s what you need to know to get on top of a jaw that works overtime.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, involves the excessive clenching and grinding of teeth, which can occur during sleep or even while awake. Often, individuals are unaware of this habit until it’s noticed by a family member or partner who hears the grinding noise.

 

What causes bruxism?

Bruxism is a relatively complex issue. The reasons why it occurs are varied and still not fully understood however there are a range of factors that can increase your risk of teeth grinding such as:

• Emotional stress
• Physical stress like illness
• Anxiety
• Snoring
• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea
• Effects of smoking, alcohol or drug use
• Teeth misalignment or abnormal anatomy of teeth or jaws
• Changes in the jaw or dental occlusion
• Certain medications

 

What are the symptoms of bruxism?

Symptoms of bruxism can vary and may include sensitive teeth, sore jaw muscles, headaches resembling earaches, tooth wear, cracked enamel, repeated tooth fractures, limited jaw movement, jaw clicking, or grinding noises during sleep.

 

What treatment is available for bruxism?

Treating bruxism early is important to avoid any significant dental complications. Although there are many possible causes for bruxism, treatment often depends on identifying and addressing its potential causes. This may involve stress management techniques or adjustments to your dental occlusion.

One common approach to minimising damage to your teeth is the use of an occlusal splint—a plastic guard worn over the teeth to prevent them from grinding against each other. Splints are typically worn at night but can also be used during the day if necessary.

If you know you grind your teeth, or if you suspect teeth grinding may be to blame for pain or other symptoms, book an appointment to speak to your dentist. Depending on the suspected causes, your dentist will recommend the most suitable treatment options for you.

Teeth are made to be strong and flexible, but they can wear down over time. Sometimes, cracks, or tooth fractures, can develop, making teeth more likely to decay or break. Tooth cracks can appear horizontally, but are often more painful and require more complex treatment if cracked vertically. Vertical cracks also have a greater risk of affecting the tooth nerve.

Why do teeth get cracks?

Cracks are a sign of use, as well as teeth becoming less flexible as we age. When a tooth is decayed and filled it is never as strong as it once was, which is why cracks become more likely in teeth with fillings. Age and use are unavoidable causes of cracked teeth and when combined with clenching, grinding, amalgam fillings and force, can contribute to an increased risk of cracked teeth¹.

Cracks can also develop from dental trauma like opening packages, chewing ice cubes and biting down on hard items such as olive seeds or nut shells.

 

How would I know if I have a cracked tooth?

Cracks are not always obvious or painful and you may not be aware you have a cracked tooth. In teeth with fillings, it is common for cracks to go unnoticed until the filling is being replaced¹. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to book regular dental visits.

 

Avoiding cracked teeth?

Avoid using your teeth to open packages, biting down on hard items such as olive seeds or nut shells and chewing on ice cubes as well as, acidic and sugary sweets and drinks that can increase the risk of erosion and lead to cracks.

 

Symptoms of a cracked tooth

The size of a crack, where it is in the tooth and the direction it travels can influence what you may feel. Some common symptoms include:

• Pain at times when biting down, but no pain when you stop.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
• A feeling that your teeth are closer together than they were¹.

 

What is the treatment for a cracked tooth?

Your dentist may use a special light to see if a crack is present. They will also assess the crack’s exact position in the tooth and the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. Sometimes fillings will need to be removed to assess how far a crack has extended and determine the best treatment.

 

Do all tooth cracks need treatment?

Surface cracks appear on the exterior of the tooth and can change how a tooth looks, but not necessarily how it functions. However, cracks which extend deep into the tooth may affect the nerve and require a root canal treatment.

Not all cracks need to be treated and sometimes they can be left alone. If a crack is small and not causing any symptoms, often a ‘wait and watch’ approach is recommended.

 

Book your next check-up at your nearest nib Dental to have your teeth checked and find out if you are at risk of cracked teeth. Early detection and treatment can often produce a better outcome.

 

 

¹ https://teeth.org.au/cracked-teeth

Ever wondered why your teeth feel so clean after a visit to the dentist? While daily brushing and flossing are an essential part of your oral health routine, it can be challenging to reach all the surfaces of your teeth and know what’s happening beneath your gums. That’s where regular dental check-ups are beneficial as your dentist can examine what is happening beneath your crowns and between your teeth. The best part is, you get to sit back and relax while your dentist cares for your oral health.

Your teeth are complex structures, and while you can only see the part of your teeth above the gums (the crown), what’s happening below the gums and between your teeth is just as important. Without healthy and strong foundations, the risk of needing more extensive and costly treatments increases.

 

Using dental instruments

Your dentist can detect any early signs of common oral health issues which you often can’t see at home, including gum inflammation, infection, and more serious issues affecting the bone that holds teeth in place. With precision instruments, your dentist can remove any plaque and tartar with their ultrasonic or sonic scalers and hand-held curettes¹. Your dentist will also use magnification glasses and an LED light to enhance their vision and ensure a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and tongue².

 

So, what are the three things your dentist does differently compared to you?

1. Removal of plaque

Plaque is an invisible, sticky film that forms on the surface of teeth. It’s made up of bacteria and leftover food particles. This bacteria feeds on sugars from food and drinks, producing acids that can damage tooth enamel.

Daily brushing and flossing help to remove plaque, which if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay, gum inflammation (gingivitis), and other health issues. Everyone gets plaque, especially after eating and drinking foods high in carbohydrates, but over time, plaque build-up can harden and turn into a substance called tartar or calculus which cannot be removed with a normal toothbrush.

2. Removal of tartar

Tartar is rough and cement-like, making it easy for more plaque to hide under the gums where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. This buildup can lead to gum disease and other dental problems¹.

Your dentist uses special hand instruments and an ultrasonic cleaner that vibrates at high speeds to loosen tartar from the tooth surface. Scalers use vibrations to loosen larger pieces of tartar and calculus. At the same time, it sprays a mist of water which washes away the debris, preventing it from re-sticking to your teeth. Curettes are the hook-shaped tool you might recognise from your dental visits.

Once the larger pieces of calculus have been removed, your dentist will switch to using hand instruments like this to scrape off smaller build-ups and run across the tooth surface to locate small deposits. Afterwards, the tooth surface can be quite rough, so your dentist may polish your teeth to smooth them out and remove any superficial stains that have built up.

3. Examining your teeth, gums and tongue

Your dentist will also examine each tooth, your gums, and your tongue. Healthy gums should fit snugly around each tooth and if they start to loosen, it can be an early sign of gum disease. Your dentist might use a small ruler to measure the space between your gums and teeth, checking for anything unusual.

 

 

What about X-rays?

Your dentist may request digital dental X-rays be taken of your teeth and gums during your check-up for concerns that cannot be seen by only looking inside the mouth. X-rays allow your dentist to see under the surface of the teeth and gums, helping to identify any dental decay, bone loss or fractures. They also help monitor how close the teeth are to the nerves and sinuses and the development of teeth under the gums, allowing your dentist to plan your dental treatments accordingly³.

How do dentists read X-rays?

There are a few different types of dental x-rays and the type of X-ray your dentist requests will depend on what they are looking for. Your dentist will examine your X-rays by:

• Comparing your new and old X-rays- this allows your dentist to identify any changes in the condition of your teeth or jawbone over time.
• Checking for any abnormalities- this may include a misaligned tooth or a cyst in the jawbone.
• Comparing your left and right sides – this will help to highlight any potential issues and may make any problems easier to find.

 

Is this included in my check-up and clean?

Yes, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums at your regular appointments. Tartar can’t be removed with a toothbrush and requires special dental tools and a procedure called a scale and polish. If you require tartar removal during your regular check-up, your dentist may recommend this to remove buildup. You may also receive a fluoride application to help reduce dental decay and decrease the sensitivity of your teeth.

 

What if I have dental extras? Is a scale and clean included in my check-up?

Eligible nib patients with dental cover are entitled to receive 100% back on preventative dental check-ups*, which include a scale and clean. Make sure to check your eligibility with your current health fund provider before booking your appointment.

Seeing your dentist for regular cleanings does more than just clean your teeth—it helps you take better care of your oral health. Book an appointment today so you can learn more about how to care well for your teeth.

 

*Payment by nib of dental benefits is subject to serving relevant waiting periods, annual limits and service limits. 100% Back only for nib customers with policies which provide no gap and have sufficient benefits remaining. Check your cover at nib.com.au or call 13 14 63. The dental check-up includes examination (011, 012), scale and clean (114) or removal of plaque (111), fluoride (121) and bite-wing or periapical x-rays (022, maximum of 2 per year) as deemed necessary and appropriate in the clinical opinion of the dentist (dentures not included). The services provided will be deducted from your annual limits and/or service limits. 100% back dental excludes DentalPass members and is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or government scheme, nor substitutable or redeemable for cash. 

 

 

¹https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-cleaning

²https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health/what-happens-during-a-tooth-cleaning

³https://www.teeth.org.au/dental-x-rays