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Important COVID-19 UpdateMore Info

Dear Valued Aardent Dental Centre Patient, It seems that all we hear and talk about these days is COVID-19(Coronavirus). Nevertheless, we want to reassure you that we are taking extra measures in addition to our usual stringent hygiene practices. The health of our patients, staff and anyone who enters the building is of paramount importance to us. We are taking a multitude of precautions as recommended by the appropriate health authorities (and some of our own). These include,

  • Spacing of waiting room chairs by a minimum of 1.5meters.
  • Removal of magazines, newspapers and children’s toys from the waiting room.
  • Offering patients to wait in their cars if they prefer.
  • Insisting that all people who enter the building use hand sanitiser (provided).
  • Asking all people to practice high levels of cough/sneezing hygiene.
  • Requesting that anyone with a temperature/flu like symptoms contact us and postpone their dental appointment.
  • Regularly sanitising building surfaces like doorknobs etc.
  • Requiring patients for some procedures to rinse with 1% hydrogen peroxide solution (known to kill coronavirus in the mouth).
  • Availability of non-contact body temperature devices for patient screening if the situation escalates.

Please rest assured that we are open for business and able to continue our excellent level of treatment for you.

As you will be aware the situation is ever changing as will be our response. We will endeavour to keep you informed along the way.

Kindest regards,

Richard Williams

and the

Aardent Dental Centre Team

What to Do if You Grind your Teeth at Night

by | Dec 14, 2022 | Dental Care

Grinding teeth at night

Did you know that persistently grinding your teeth at night can cause issues with your oral health and affect your sleep and general well-being? If you wake up in the morning with a sore mouth, jaw, or neck from grinding your teeth, it’s worth making an appointment at your dental clinic to see your dentist. 

Bruxism is the clenching and grinding of teeth that happens involuntarily. Typically, this grinding occurs while a person is asleep. While sleep bruxism is most common in children, adolescents, and young adults, it can affect people of any age.

Grinding your teeth at night can:

  • Wear down teeth
  • Cause jaw and neck pain
  • Induce headaches
  • Lead to long-term problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

While there is no cure to stop teeth from grinding completely, you can take steps to reduce its impact.

When should you see a dentist about sleep bruxism?

If you are experiencing mouth, jaw, or neck pain from grinding your teeth, make an appointment at your local Perth dental clinic – Aardent Dental Centre.. Sleep bruxism can significantly affect your oral and sleep health, and a dentist can help prevent more severe problems from developing.

Treatments for Sleep Bruxism

Treatment for sleep bruxism often involves a multi-pronged attack. While there are steps you can take at home, it’s critical to talk with your dentist, who can recommend the optimal treatment for your specific situation.

Easy home care tips for coping with sleep bruxism

  • Avoid hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and hard lollies.
  • Be cautious with sticky and hard foods that are difficult to chew
  • Don’t chew gum
  • Adjust your sleeping position or pillow for additional head and neck support
  • Use a hot compress or an ice pack to soothe the pain

What are the treatments for grinding your teeth at night?

While multiple treatments are available for grinding your teeth at night, a dental nightguard or occlusal splint is the most common one recommended by dentists. 

Nightguards and Occlusal Splints Perth

The most common treatment for nighttime bruxism is using a custom-made mouthguard. An occlusal splint creates a buffer between your upper and lower teeth, making it impossible for your teeth to grind against each other. Importantly it also prevents the crushing of structures within your jaw joint itself. Your dentist can discuss creating the perfect occlusal splint for you in more detail. Using an occlusal splint is easy

  • Brush and floss your teeth prior to use.
  • Rinse your mouthguard, then insert it into your mouth as shown by your dentist.
  • Remove and clean well when you wake up in the morning.
  • Store as shown ready for use the next night.

Do I need a custom-made dental mouthguard?

You may find a generic mouthguard at your local pharmacy. However, generic sizing often leads to an uncomfortable fit. Instead, schedule an appointment with your local dental centre in Vic Park to discuss ordering a custom-made mouthguard. 

Mouthguards can:

  • Decrease the impact of bruxism
  • Reduce tooth wear and tear
  • Reduce morning headaches
  • Improve sleep quality. 

Visiting a dental professional may also help prevent more severe oral health problems.

Why choose Aardent Dental Centre as your Perth dental clinic?

Aardent Dental Centre has 30 years of experience providing exceptional dental services in Perth.

Contact us today, and let us show you why the team at Aardent Dental Centre are respected dentists in Victoria Park and South Perth.