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Warning-sign checks

Teeth grinding: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling of the face or neck, major facial injury, or bleeding that will not stop.

    These are not typical features of uncomplicated bruxism.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent dental or medical care for:

    • A badly cracked or knocked-out tooth
    • Severe pain that is rapidly worsening
    • New facial or jaw swelling
    • Fever with dental or facial pain
    • An inability to open or close the mouth normally
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine dental appointment if you notice persistent jaw pain, morning headaches, sensitive or worn teeth, broken dental work, or regular grinding sounds during sleep.

    A dentist can also assess whether a mouth guard is appropriate.

The article also says

Contact a primary care professional or relevant prescriber if symptoms began after starting or changing a medicine.

Do not stop the medicine on your own.

Ask about a sleep assessment if grinding occurs alongside loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, choking during sleep, or marked daytime sleepiness.

These may point to a separate sleep problem that needs assessment.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Teeth grinding. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.