People who do not clench or grind their teeth, only touch about 3 minutes the entire day. Lips touch, but teeth are slightly apart just about all the time. People who clench and grind their teeth are in contact up to 8 or more hours a day.

Habitual touching of teeth, even lightly, is magnified during stressful times. The head and neck is a major area of carrying stress. The muscles around the temples and the jaw carry the extra energy which can only be released by clenching and grinding.

The Symptoms include:

• Teeth sensitivity.
• Sore jaw or TMJ (temporomandibular joint).
• Sore facial muscles (temples).
• Neck aches.
• Shoulder aches.
• Headaches.
• Back pain.

Signs for the dentist to look for include:

• Teeth touching at rest.
• Worn teeth.
• Buccal surface abrasion (on the neck of the tooth).
• Hyperactive facial muscles.
• Tongue scalloping.
• Tiredness of the jaw muscles during routine examination and cleaning.

Most people who clench and grind are unaware they’re doing so, because often it can be painless and symptom free. Also grinding happens more at night while you are sleeping. Protecting teeth is one of the most valuable service that our dentist can provide, come see us at our clinic here in Port Melbourne – within close proximity of neighbouring suburb, South Melbourne & St Kilda.

Reducing stress and protecting teeth is one of the most valuable services that your dentist can provide. One of the best solutions is the fabrication of a well-constructed dental occlusal splint.