Bruxism: Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching
Personalised bruxism treatments can relieve jaw tension, protect your teeth, and improve your sleep, helping you wake up refreshed and pain-free.
Understanding Bruxism
Bruxism is the habit of grinding, clenching, or gnashing your teeth, often while asleep. It can also happen during the day when you’re focused, anxious, or under pressure. Over time, it can wear down your teeth, irritate your jaw, and lead to ongoing discomfort. Left untreated, bruxism can affect your bite, appearance, and oral health.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism refers to the unconscious grinding, gritting, or clenching of teeth during the day or at night. Daytime bruxism is often linked to stress or deep concentration, while nighttime (or sleep) bruxism usually happens without you knowing. If ignored, it can lead to tooth damage, jaw pain, and even long-term issues with the temporomandibular joint. It’s more than just an annoying habit; it’s something worth treating early.
Causes of Bruxism
Bruxism can have many causes. Often, it’s a mix of emotional, medical, and physical factors. These include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Certain medications, especially SSRIs like fluoxetine and paroxetine
- Stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and drugs such as amphetamines
- Genetics (bruxism often runs in families)
- Age (it’s more common in children)
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease
- Bite alignment problems (occlusal disorders)
Do You Suffer From Bruxism?
Many people don’t realise they’re grinding or gritting their teeth until a dentist notices the damage. Early signs include worn enamel, cracked fillings, and chipped teeth. It can also lead to symptoms that affect the jaw, like tightness, pain, and restricted movement in the temporomandibular joint.
Bruxism Symptoms
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of bruxism include:
- Headaches that start at the temples
- Pain in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Jaw pain or stiffness in the morning
- Toothaches or temperature sensitivity
- Earaches without an infection
- Unconscious clenching when you’re focused or stressed
How Bruxism Can Impact Your Life
Bruxism can affect more than just your teeth. Chronic clenching and grinding can lead to daily discomfort and long-term damage if left untreated. It can mess with your sleep, change how your face looks, and add to your stress levels. Here are some of the most common issues caused by untreated bruxism:
TMJ disorders and jaw pain
Facial pain and sore jaw muscles
Excessive wear and tear on teeth
Cracked or broken enamel and restorations
Heightened tooth sensitivity
Tooth loss (in rare cases)
Changes in the shape of your face
Migraines and chronic headaches
Teeth Grinding In Children
If you’ve noticed your five-year-old grinding their teeth while sleeping, you’re not alone. It’s common in children and often goes away as they grow. In most cases, no treatment is needed unless it causes pain or affects their baby teeth. But if you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to have your dentist take a look.
Treatment Options
The good news is that bruxism and teeth grinding can be managed. Treatment depends on the cause and severity, but the goal is always to protect your teeth and relieve pain.
Get a Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding
A custom night guard cushions your teeth while you sleep to reduce pressure and prevent damage.
Orthodontics to Address Teeth Alignment Issues
Orthodontic treatment, like braces or aligners, can fix bite issues that may be causing your teeth to grind.
Muscle Relaxant Injections
Botox relaxes tense jaw muscles and can relieve pain from clenching and grinding.
Restorative Dental Work to Repair Damage
Restorative treatments such as bonding, fillings, or crowns can restore and protect worn-down teeth.
Behavioral Therapy to Break the Habit
Techniques like CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) can help manage stress and stop clenching habits.
Don’t Let Bruxism Damage Your Smile
You don’t have to put up with teeth grinding forever. With the right treatment, you can ease discomfort, protect your teeth, and sleep better. Book a consultation with Mona Vale Dental today; your jaw will thank you.
FAQs
How do I know if I am grinding my teeth in my sleep?
Many people don’t realise they grind their teeth until a dentist points out the damage. Common signs include jaw pain, tooth wear, and waking up with headaches or sore teeth.
How to stop grinding my teeth in my sleep?
Custom night guards, stress reduction, and improving sleep hygiene can all help. Your dentist may also suggest other treatments based on the cause.
What causes teeth grinding?
Bruxism can be caused by stress, certain medications, sleep disorders, and bite issues. It’s also more common in people with a family history of teeth grinding.
Why do SSRIs cause jaw clenching?
SSRIs can affect the way your brain processes serotonin, which may cause muscle tension or clenching as a side effect in some people.
Where do I get help for teeth grinding?
Start by talking to your dentist. They can assess the condition and recommend the right treatment or refer you to a specialist.
What are the signs of teeth grinding?
Common signs include flattened teeth, jaw pain, earaches, and cracked restorations. Some people also notice bite marks on the inside of their cheeks.
What will happen if I continue to grind my teeth?
Over time, bruxism can lead to serious damage like worn-down teeth, TMJ disorders, and facial pain. The sooner you treat it, the better the outcome.
Request an Appointment
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your consultation with Mona Vale Dental at their state-of-the-art practice in Mona Vale. Discover how their treatments can enhance your health and boost your confidence.
