Do you wake up with jaw pain or headaches? You might be grinding your teeth at night. Bruxism affects millions of Australians and can cause serious dental damage if left untreated. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and effective treatments.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching. It can occur during the day (awake bruxism) or while you sleep (sleep bruxism). Sleep bruxism is particularly problematic because you're unaware it's happening and can't consciously stop.
The forces exerted during grinding can be significantly higher than normal chewing forces, potentially causing serious damage to teeth, jaw muscles, and joints.
Signs and Symptoms
Many people don't realise they grind their teeth until a partner hears the noise or a dentist notices the damage. Common signs include:
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Jaw pain or stiffness, especially in the morning
- Tired or tight jaw muscles
- Headaches, particularly temple area pain
- Earaches (though nothing is wrong with the ear)
- Damage to the inside of the cheek
- Disturbed sleep
- Tooth pain with no apparent cause
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism can result from a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors:
- Stress and anxiety: The most common cause of daytime bruxism
- Sleep disorders: Sleep apnoea is strongly linked to sleep bruxism
- Abnormal bite: Misaligned teeth or jaw may trigger grinding
- Medications: Some antidepressants and psychiatric medications can cause bruxism
- Lifestyle factors: Caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs increase risk
- Personality type: Competitive, hyperactive, or aggressive tendencies
- Genetics: Sleep bruxism tends to run in families
- Age: Common in children but often stops by adolescence
The Consequences of Untreated Bruxism
Left untreated, chronic bruxism can lead to:
- Severe tooth wear requiring crowns or implants
- Fractured teeth or dental restorations
- Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)
- Chronic headaches and facial pain
- Changes in facial appearance from muscle enlargement
- Tooth loss in severe cases
Treatment Options
1. Custom Night Guards (Occlusal Splints)
The most common treatment for sleep bruxism. A custom-fitted night guard protects your teeth from grinding forces. Made from durable materials and designed to fit precisely, it's more effective than over-the-counter options.
2. Dental Correction
If misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite contributes to grinding, orthodontic treatment may help. Reshaping the chewing surfaces of teeth or using crowns can sometimes correct the issue.
3. Stress Management
For stress-related bruxism, addressing the underlying stress is crucial. Techniques include:
- Meditation and relaxation exercises
- Counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy
- Regular exercise
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption
4. Muscle Relaxation Techniques
Physical therapy, massage, and jaw exercises can help relax the muscles involved in grinding. Applying warm compresses to the jaw before bed may also help.
5. Medication
In some cases, muscle relaxants before bed or changing medications that may be causing bruxism can help. This should always be done under medical supervision.
6. Treating Sleep Disorders
If sleep apnoea or another sleep disorder is contributing to bruxism, treating the underlying condition often reduces grinding.
Self-Care Tips
- Be aware of clenching during the day and consciously relax your jaw
- Position your tongue between your teeth to train muscles to relax
- Avoid chewy foods that tire the jaw muscles
- Don't chew gum, as it reinforces the clenching habit
- Hold a warm washcloth against your jaw before bed
- Establish a relaxing bedtime routine
- Avoid stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening
Get Help at Mullaloo Beach Dental
If you suspect you're grinding your teeth, don't wait for damage to occur. At Mullaloo Beach Dental, we can assess your teeth for signs of bruxism and create a custom night guard to protect your smile. We'll also help identify contributing factors and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Contact us today to schedule an assessment.
