Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding or clenching, is a condition where individuals involuntarily grind their teeth, either during sleep (sleep bruxism) or while awake (awake bruxism). This repetitive action can lead to various dental and health issues if left unaddressed.
At Future Dental Centre in Moonee Ponds, we understand that teeth grinding, or bruxism, can be more than just a minor annoyance: it can affect your daily life in more ways than one. Our friendly team is here to help you find relief with personalised jaw pain treatment.
Bruxism is often linked to deeper issues, from stress to sleep disorders. Before we can treat your issue, we first need to understand what’s causing it. Getting to the root of your teeth grinding is essential for finding the right solution.
Here are some of the most common causes:
Sleep bruxism (grinding at night) is often connected to sleep apnoea or other breathing-related disorders. If your airway is partially blocked while you sleep, your body may respond by clenching your jaw to reopen it, leading to grinding. If you snore or wake up feeling unrested, this could be a factor.
Since bruxism has so many potential causes, a proper diagnosis is key. During your appointment, we’ll take a closer look at your symptoms, lifestyle, and dental history to pinpoint the root cause. From there, we’ll recommend the best treatment.
Custom night guards are one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth while you sleep, providing a barrier that prevents damage and relieves pressure on the jaw. For those whose bruxism is linked to stress, relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes can make a big difference in reducing clenching and grinding. In some cases, dental adjustments may be needed to correct an uneven bite that contributes to the problem.
Bruxism affects more than just your oral health. It can lead to several life-altering symptoms that can impact your overall well-being, such as:
Pain or discomfort in the ears, sometimes resembling ear infections.
Persistent clenching can lead to indentations or scalloping on the sides of the tongue.
Individuals may inadvertently bite the inside of their cheeks due to the force of clenching or grinding.
Frequent headaches, especially in the morning, are caused by muscle tension.
Poor sleep quality or disturbances due to the physical activity of grinding.
Recognising these symptoms early is crucial for effective management and prevention of further complications.
Chronic teeth clenching and grinding is a condition known as “bruxism”. For most people, teeth grinding is something that happens while they’re sleeping. Their partner or another family member may notice it, due to the sounds of teeth rubbing together. Or, you might wake up with headaches, TMJ pain or muscle soreness.
Over time, prolonged bruxism can lead to worn and flattened teeth. It’s better to prevent the wear from happening as soon as symptoms arise, as opposed to waiting several years and then requiring extensive reconstructive treatments.
In some situations (especially in young children) teeth grinding is a symptom of a bigger concern like sleep apnoea. If that’s the case, timely treatment is required. Fortunately, our sleep dentistry team also provides custom sleep nightguards when required.
A nightguard or similar occlusal splint can prevent tooth wear & jaw pain. The mouthguard places a small buffer between your upper & lower jaw, preventing your TMJ from fully engaging. All you need to have one made is a quick mould of your teeth. We use some of the best labs in the area, providing you with a comfortable & durable appliance that protects your smile.
Since Medicare generally doesn’t cover bruxism treatment, we make accessing care easier. We’re a preferred provider for HCF, nib, and smile.com.au, accepting SACM Dental Coverage, CDBS, and all major health insurance with on-the-spot HICAPS claims. We also honour Cohealth, Monash vouchers, VDES & VDGS and offer flexible payment plans through Humm and Fund My Dental.
