Clenching – How Can You Tell If You Are Guilty?

Most people at some point in their lives will probably clench or even grind their teeth. Occasionally clenching or grinding will usually not cause significant long-term damage, but repeated acts will.

Generally clenching and grinding occurs when a person is under stress or is anxious, has bite issues or missing or crooked teeth. Unfortunately, clenching and grinding often happens during sleep and so you may not be aware you are even doing it unless a partner informs you, or you wake with face or joint pain.

“Sometimes the issue first presents itself as a broken tooth or filling. Chronic grinding damages teeth,” says Dr. Judith Ko, your Inland Empire’s Top Dentist in Hemet, California. “You may even see the results when you brush and notice the wear on the surfaces of your teeth.”

While there are a few things you can do to reduce the discomfort – apply ice to the joint, learn relaxation techniques and avoiding foods and drinks that contain caffeine, the best solution is often a night guard.

“Night guards are custom fit appliances that will allow your jaw to move freely without damaging teeth or joints,” adds Dr. Ko. Your general dentist is the person to ask if you may be a candidate for an appliance to help with your clenching. Call us today to learn more about how you can be fit with a night guard to protect your teeth and joints.