Do you ever wake up from a night's sleep with sore teeth and jaws? You could be grinding your teeth. This is known as bruxism and is usually done unconsciously in your sleep, but it can also occur when you are awake.
- Headaches
- Jaw (temporomandibular) joint discomfort, clicking or locking
- Aching or enlarged jaw muscles
- Stiffness of neck or shoulders
- Tooth wear and or fracture of teeth.
Stress, anxiety, smoking, alcohol, caffeine, depression and sleep disorders are all possible causes of teeth grinding, also according to the Bruxism Association.
The best way to protect your teeth and prevent tooth wear and fracture is to wear an occlusal appliance. There are different types to suit different people and your dentist is the best person to talk you through those options. These appliances are custom made, specially fitted plastic mouthpieces that fit over your top or bottom teeth.
Wearing one of these appliances will reduce jaw muscle pain and protect both your teeth and temporomandibular joint. The appliances are usually worn at bedtime and are considered the treatment of choice.
If anxiety or stress is believed to be the cause of your grinding, then behavioural management and promoting better sleep habits are paramount. Sometimes a combination of behaviour modification and occlusal appliances is required
If you feel this does concern you call us to make an appointment or mention this subject at your next visit.
I am very happy to give some feedback about Oakthorpe Dental Practice.
I first became a patient in 1975 when I was a student and the practice was in St John Street, first with Mr English and then Mr Davies. He and I also knew each other through rugby football.
I continued with the practice when it moved to Summertown and I was working in Radley and then in Abingdon. I decided not to change to a local dentist.
I moved to Edinburgh in 1991 and then York, returning in 2006 to work around the corner as Warden (Head )of St Edward’s. We rejoined the practice. When we moved to near Stratford Upon Avon in 2011, we stayed with the practice: why change when the service was perfect.
Seetal is conscientious and extremely capable and has a warm and welcoming manner. Her nurses and reception staff are similarly caring and cheerful. The hygienists are all extremely professional too.
The surgery, reception and waiting areas are always clean and warm with a good range of magazines: my only opportunity twice a year to read
magazine.
We could easily switch to local dentists, but we have a sense of loyalty as well as customer satisfaction with the Oakthorpe Practice.
27 Oakthorpe Road
Summertown
Oxford
OX2 7BD
01865 515755
info@oakthorpedental.co.uk
Monday: 8:45am–5pm
Tuesday:8:45am–5pm
Wednesday:8:45am–5pm
Thursday:8:45am–5pm
Friday:8:45am–4pm
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed
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