Some people grind or clench their teeth while sleeping without knowing it is happening. They may first become aware of the problem when a partner hears grinding sounds, they wake with jaw discomfort, or a dentist identifies wear on their teeth.
This activity is commonly known as bruxism. It may occur while awake or asleep and can vary in frequency and intensity.
Not every person who clenches their teeth will develop noticeable damage. However, repeated or forceful grinding may contribute to tooth wear, fractured restorations, muscle discomfort and other dental concerns.
A dentist can assess the teeth, jaw and bite before determining whether a custom appliance may be appropriate. Patients concerned about nighttime grinding can learn more about custom dental splints in Tamworth and the assessment involved.
What Is Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding involves moving the teeth against one another. Clenching refers to holding the upper and lower teeth together with sustained force.
Both behaviours place pressure on the teeth, supporting structures and jaw muscles.
Awake bruxism may happen during periods of concentration, stress or physical effort. A person may notice that they are holding their jaw tense while working, driving or exercising.
Sleep bruxism occurs during sleep and may be harder for the individual to recognise. It is considered a sleep-related movement activity and may have several contributing factors.
A dental assessment can identify evidence of grinding, but determining the broader causes may sometimes involve input from a doctor or another healthcare professional.
What Are the Possible Signs of Nighttime Grinding?
The signs of bruxism differ between patients. Some people experience several symptoms, while others have visible dental wear without discomfort.
Possible signs include:
- Flattened or worn tooth surfaces
- Small chips or fractures
- Cracked fillings or restorations
- Tooth sensitivity
- Jaw tightness
- Tired facial muscles
- Morning headaches
- Tenderness around the jaw
- Grinding sounds noticed by a partner
- Marks along the sides of the tongue
- Difficulty opening the mouth comfortably
These symptoms can also have causes unrelated to bruxism. Jaw pain, headaches and tooth sensitivity should therefore be assessed rather than assumed to result from grinding.
Centrepoint Dental Care’s article on subtle signs your teeth and gums need attention explains why symptoms that appear minor may still warrant a dental appointment.
Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?
Bruxism does not always have a single identifiable cause.
Potential contributing factors may include:
- Stress or emotional tension
- Sleep disruption
- Certain medicines
- Alcohol, caffeine or smoking
- Some medical or neurological conditions
- Sleep-related breathing disorders
- Individual behavioural patterns
The relationship between these factors and bruxism can be complex. For example, stress may increase clenching in some people but may not explain every case of nighttime grinding.
A dentist may ask about the patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, medicines and sleep. Where appropriate, the patient may also be advised to discuss possible contributing factors with their doctor.
How Can Teeth Grinding Affect Oral Health?
Repeated grinding or clenching can place additional load on teeth and dental restorations.
Over time, possible effects may include:
- Loss of tooth structure
- Flattened biting surfaces
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Damaged fillings
- Fractured crowns
- Tooth sensitivity
- Muscle fatigue
- Jaw discomfort
Teeth do naturally wear over time, and not all wear is caused by grinding. Acid exposure, brushing habits, diet and the way the teeth meet can also contribute.
A dentist will usually consider the pattern, location and extent of wear before recommending treatment.
Where teeth have already been damaged, restorative dentistry in Tamworth may be considered to repair or strengthen affected areas. The appropriate treatment will depend on how much tooth structure remains and whether grinding is still occurring.
What Is a Dental Splint?
A dental splint, sometimes called an occlusal splint or night guard, is a removable appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth.
A custom splint is made using an impression or digital record of the patient’s mouth. It is designed to fit the teeth and provide a controlled surface between the upper and lower dental arches.
Depending on the patient’s needs, a splint may be recommended to:
- Protect teeth from direct grinding contact
- Protect fillings, crowns or other restorations
- Distribute biting forces
- Reduce further wear
- Assist with the assessment or management of some jaw-related symptoms
There are different types of dental splints, and they are not interchangeable in every situation. The design, material and wearing schedule should be selected by a dentist following an examination.
Does a Dental Splint Stop Teeth Grinding?
A dental splint should not automatically be described as a cure for bruxism.
Its main role is often to protect the teeth and restorations from direct contact while it is being worn. Some patients may also notice changes in jaw comfort, but individual responses vary.
Grinding or clenching may continue while a splint is in place. For this reason, treatment may also involve identifying and managing contributing factors where possible.
Depending on the patient, this could include:
- Becoming aware of daytime clenching
- Reviewing sleep quality
- Discussing stress management
- Reviewing medicines with a doctor
- Assessing possible sleep-related conditions
- Monitoring jaw symptoms
- Repairing existing dental damage
A splint should form part of an individual management plan rather than being treated as a universal solution.
Why Is a Custom Splint Different From a Store-Bought Night Guard?
Over-the-counter night guards are usually made in standard sizes or softened in hot water before being moulded at home.
A custom dental splint is made from a professional record of the patient’s teeth and is checked by a dentist. This allows its fit, bite contacts and design to be assessed before use.
Differences may include:
- Fit and retention
- Appliance thickness
- Material
- Bite contact
- Comfort
- Durability
- Ability to accommodate crowns or other dental work
An appliance that does not fit properly may move during sleep, feel bulky or create uneven contacts between the teeth.
Patients should avoid assuming that a sports mouthguard and a dental splint serve the same purpose. Sports mouthguards in Tamworth are primarily designed to protect the mouth from impacts during physical activity, while splints are designed according to different clinical needs.
What Happens During a Dental Splint Assessment?
Before recommending a splint, the dentist will generally examine the teeth, gums, restorations, jaw movement and bite.
The appointment may involve discussing:
- When symptoms occur
- The location of pain or tightness
- Sleep habits
- Daytime clenching
- Previous jaw injuries
- Existing dental restorations
- Medicines and relevant medical history
- Changes noticed by a partner
The dentist may also look for wear patterns, cracks, muscle tenderness or damaged dental work.
If a splint is considered appropriate, impressions or digital scans may be taken. Once the appliance has been made, the dentist can check its fit and provide instructions for wear and care.
Follow-up appointments may be needed to monitor comfort, fit, bite contacts and any ongoing symptoms.
How Should a Dental Splint Be Cleaned?
Patients should follow the instructions supplied by their dentist because materials and appliance designs differ.
General care may include:
- Rinsing the splint after removal
- Cleaning it with a soft brush
- Using only recommended cleaning products
- Allowing it to dry before storage
- Keeping it in a ventilated case
- Protecting it from heat
- Keeping it away from pets
- Bringing it to dental appointments
Hot water may distort some appliances. Abrasive toothpaste may also scratch certain materials, creating areas where deposits can accumulate.
A splint should be checked if it becomes cracked, loose, uncomfortable or difficult to insert.
When Should You See a Dentist About Grinding?
Consider arranging a dental assessment if you notice:
- New tooth wear
- Repeatedly damaged fillings
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Persistent morning jaw tightness
- Tooth sensitivity
- Changes in the way your teeth meet
- Ongoing facial muscle discomfort
- Grinding noises during sleep
Sudden or severe tooth pain, facial swelling or significant dental damage may require more urgent care. Patients can contact Centrepoint Dental Care regarding emergency dental care in Tamworth when prompt assessment may be needed.
Regular dental examinations can also identify wear before a patient becomes aware of it. This is one reason routine dental check-ups matter even when nothing hurts.
Protecting Your Teeth From the Effects of Grinding
Teeth grinding can be difficult to recognise when it occurs during sleep. The first clue may be jaw tightness, unusual tooth sensitivity or changes identified during a routine dental examination.
A custom dental splint may be recommended to protect the teeth and existing restorations, but it does not necessarily eliminate grinding. An appropriate plan should consider the condition of the teeth, the patient’s symptoms and any potential contributing factors.
Patients concerned about grinding can explore the dental services available at Centrepoint Dental Care or book a dental appointment in Tamworth for an individual assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Splints
Is a dental splint the same as a mouthguard?
Not necessarily. A sports mouthguard is designed to reduce dental injuries during physical activity. A dental splint is made for a clinical purpose such as protecting teeth from grinding or managing particular bite and jaw concerns.
Do I need to wear a dental splint every night?
The recommended wearing schedule depends on the type of splint and the reason it was prescribed. Follow the instructions provided by your dentist.
How long does a dental splint last?
There is no fixed lifespan. It depends on the material, the amount of grinding, changes to the teeth, appliance care and whether dental treatment has altered the fit.
Can a splint repair teeth damaged by grinding?
A splint does not restore tooth structure that has already been lost. Separate dental treatment may be needed to repair damaged teeth or restorations.
Should jaw pain always be treated with a splint?
No. Jaw pain has several possible causes, and a splint is not appropriate for every patient. A dental or medical assessment is needed to determine suitable management.
Disclaimer: This blog contains general educational information and does not provide a diagnosis or personalised treatment recommendation. Teeth grinding, jaw discomfort and tooth wear can have multiple causes, and dental splints are not suitable for every patient. Seek advice from a qualified dentist or healthcare professional regarding symptoms and treatment options relevant to you.