Dentists say teeth grinding has increased. Here’s how you can improve your oral health

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Dentists say teeth grinding has increased. Here's how you can improve your oral health


Beth Mason was having routine repairs on a crown when her dentist noticed that she had nerve damage on another tooth.

Unbeknown to her, it turned out Ms Mason had been grinding her teeth in her sleep — a behaviour known as “bruxing” by dentists.

It was the first time a dentist had picked up on it — but the damage had already been done.

She had a gold crown put on the damaged tooth and was sent home with a splint to wear at night to prevent further problems.

“They said it’s really normal for people that grind their teeth because gold is more malleable than a ceramic crown,” Ms Mason said.

She said the splint had been “brilliant” but was not without its challenges.

“I feel like it’s not something that people talk about openly,” Ms Mason said.

“It’s quite bulky and it makes me feel like a teenager wearing my retainer.”

A close up of a girl smiling.
Do you wake up with sore teeth or an aching jaw? You might be clenching or grinding your teeth in your sleep.(Flickr: Amanda)

Ms Mason, a teacher, said it was difficult to treat the issue because she was oblivious to grinding her teeth.

“I have a stressful job and it’s a weird thing — you can’t cure it and you subconsciously do it,” she said.

“Even if I go to have an hour nap in the afternoon, I’ve got to put it in or else I’m going to wake up and my teeth will be sore.”

The cost of the splint was not covered by Ms Mason’s private health insurance.

“That probably puts off a lot of people too who need one [because] it’s just not included in basic dental cover,” she said.

Not always about stress

Patients with teeth-grinding-related issues increased at Christine Farrelly’s Sunshine Coast dental practice ahead of the festive period.

A rise in the condition has been noted internationally, according to Scott Davis, the vice president of the Australian Dental Association.

“We believe it may very well be associated with increased stress and anxiety because of the pandemic, financial situations, job security and all of those factors,” he said.



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