We all grind and clench our teeth at times, tooth grinding is a normal part of sleep, but for some people this can generate a variety of problems.

Excessive tooth grinding known as bruxism causes destructive wear to the teeth, particularly the front ones and over a period of years the they begin to look very flat and short.

Other problems associated with nocturnal tooth grinding are sensitivity of the teeth (particularly in the mornings), headaches, neck and face pains, jaw clicking on opening wide, limitation of mouth opening, poor sleep quality, the development of v-shaped cavities in the teeth at the gum margin (abfraction cavities) and fractures of the teeth, particularly if there are larger fillings present. All these problems tend to increase at times of stress, tiredness or overwork.

A simple acrylic splint can modify the forces applied to the teeth, and give relief to some or all of the symptoms. It is worn on either top or bottom teeth, only when sleeping, and is usually tolerated well.