Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Bruxism often occurs during a deep sleep or under stress.
Teeth grinding and jaw posturing, such as clenching, often accompany TMJ disorders. Jaw muscles are among the strongest in the body, exerting on average 77 kilograms of pressure.
When the jaw works overtime during sleep, the muscles over-develop, become inflamed and cause painful facial muscles, tension headaches and broken teeth. It can also cause a boxy appearance to the jaws.
Bruxism can develop because of stress, certain medications, or alcohol consumption and because of a misaligned bite.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Signs of bruxism include:
- Sensitive teeth and increased tooth pain
- Loose teeth
- Cracked/chipped tooth enamel
- Flattened teeth
- Grinding sounds while you sleep
- Headaches (usually starting from the temple region)
- Chewing on the inside of your cheek
- Poor sleep
Causes of Bruxism
There is no one specific cause of bruxism but is the result of a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic elements.
- Stress, such as anger and/or anxiety
- Family members who also suffer from bruxism
- Underbite, overbite, and other abnormal bites
- Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and amphetamines can offer side effects leading to bruxism
- Certain neurological conditions (Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease)
Treatment we offer for Bruxism
The goal of bruxism treatment is to reduce grinding and clenching, ease jaw tension, and protect your teeth. A full assessment helps identify triggers for symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and tooth wear. Your dentist then plans care based on your bite, habits, and oral health.
Oral appliance therapy
Custom bite guards and night guards reduce tooth wear and help relax overworked jaw muscles. They also support a more stable jaw position during sleep.
Orthodontic support
A misaligned bite affects how your teeth meet and can increase strain on the jaw. Invisalign or other orthodontic options help improve alignment so the bite functions more evenly.
Bite balancing
Small adjustments to remove high points on teeth or existing dental work help the bite sit more evenly. This reduces pressure points and can lower the urge to grind.
Restorative treatment for worn teeth
Long term bruxism can wear teeth down or cause cracks and breakage. Crowns, bridges, implants, or partial dentures rebuild tooth structure and restore bite function when needed.
Medication support
Anti inflammatory medication or muscle relaxants may be used to reduce muscle spasm and pain while long term treatment is underway.
TENS therapy
Electrostimulation helps reduce muscle inflammation and supports retraining of jaw muscles as part of a broader treatment plan.
If you notice any of the symptoms above, speak to your dental practitioner, at a suitable time for you and arrange for an inspection. If you notice your child grinding their teeth or suffering from any symptoms, make sure to mention this at their next appointment.
Our experienced dentists welcome you
There is no need to feel guilty or judged about your current oral health and smile. Our compassionate team is solution-oriented and passionate about helping patients recover their health and their smiles with high-quality dentistry and personalised care.
Contact our Gladstone dental clinic, and we will arrange a time for you to come in and talk with one of our dentists. Your call could be the first step to having a confident, radiant smile again.