Teeth Grinding Treatment

Teeth Grinding

Do you suffer from Bruxism?

Teeth grinding, also called Bruxism, is unconscious clenching of the teeth, whether awake or asleep, which can lead to physical pain and dental problems.

Clicking jaw joints or (TMJ) is made worse if you clench or grind your jaw. Usually, the only time your joints get to relax is whilst you sleep so help protect them with a splint. If you have clicking joints and jaw pain you need to see a dentist.

Mawson Dental Care repair tooth wear and ease discomfort.

Teeth grinding treatment can include using mouth guards or mouth splints, this type of appliance has numerous variations and names such as Occlusal Bite Guard or Bite Splint, Michigan Splint, Tanner Splint or B-splint.

Call us to find out more, or to book an appointment at our clinic in Canberra.

Clenching Teeth, Grinding Teeth and Bruxism

Bruxism affects an estimated 8-31% of adults worldwide, with some studies estimating numbers as high as 51% of children experiencing some form of the condition.

During your regular dental visits we automatically check for physical signs of bruxism.

Symptoms of teeth grinding can include:

  • Clenching or grinding your teeth, either awake or asleep
  • Fractured or chipped teeth
  • Tooth loss
  • Flattened teeth or worn teeth and enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
  • Increased tooth pain or sensitive teeth
  • Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely
  • Pain or soreness in your jaw, neck, face or ears
  • Headaches
  • Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek
  • Disrupted sleep

Researchers are still unsure about the physical causes of bruxism, although studies seem to suggest that tooth grinding is caused mainly by stress and anxiety.

Causes can include:

  • Increased stress, anxiety or frustration
  • Age - bruxism is common in young children and generally lessens by adulthood
  • Personality type - being aggressive, competitive or hyperactive may increase your risk
  • Medications - it may be an uncommon side effect of some medications including some antidepressants
  • Family history - sleep bruxism often occurs in families
  • Other disorders - bruxism can be associated with some mental health and medical disorders including Parkinson’s disease, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, night terrors, and sleep-related disorders such as sleep apnoea

Our compassionate Canberra dentists are here to help you enjoy an improved quality of life with TMD and bruxism treatment.