Teeth grinding – when to see a dentist

Why it often goes unnoticed

Grinding and clenching happen most often during sleep or at moments of tension. Many people only find out when someone close to them mentions it, or when they start to feel the effects.

Signs you may notice include a tired or sore jaw in the morning, headaches at the temples, sensitive teeth, worn or chipped edges, and fillings that keep breaking.

When to come for a check-up

If you recognise one or more of these signs, it is worth having your teeth and bite checked. Sometimes the cause is related to the way the teeth meet, which is called occlusion.

At the visit we look at the teeth, the bite, and the jaw joints, and explain what we see. Not every case of grinding needs treatment. Sometimes it is enough to keep an eye on it and talk about habits. If a further step is needed, such as a splint, we will discuss it together.