Teeth Grinding Bruxism
Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching is terrible for your oral health and well-being. In the dental world, we refer to the condition as parafunctional activities. It can manifest in silent and clenching contact or loud and grating contact. The former is clenching while the latter is grinding. Either form can damage your teeth and increase the risk of other health complications, including persistent headaches and TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
If you’re struggling with grinding/clenching teeth pain and damage, Focus Dental Group can help. Our dental team work with you to identify the signs and the underlying causes and build a custom treatment plan to stop teeth grinding. You also receive help with the associated effects of teeth grinding, including tooth wear and headaches. Ultimately, you restore your smile and peace of mind.
To learn about your options for bruxism treatment in Blackburn North, feel free to contact our dental team today.
What Causes Bruxism?
Whereas there’s no universally accepted cause of bruxism, the condition has been linked to several triggers. The triggers vary among patients, and the dental team at Focus Dental Group work to determine the psychological, physical, or genetic factors at play.
Nighttime grinding, also known as sleep bruxism, is usually attributable to hyperactivity, sleep apnea (breathing difficulties during sleep), and acid reflux. It can also manifest as a side effect of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), commonly prescribed medications for moderate and severe depression.
Daytime grinding (awake bruxism) can stem from stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, or excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine. It’s particularly prevalent in emotionally draining jobs, such as military, law enforcement, and healthcare.
Diagnosing Teeth Grinding
When you visit our Blackburn dental clinic, our dentist will first investigate for bruxism signs and symptoms, including:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Jaw dislocation/soreness/pain
- Premature wear on teeth
- Neck or face pain
- Clenched teeth
- Headaches
- Broken fillings or crowns
- Disrupted sleep
Teeth Grinding Treatment in Blackburn
Grinding teeth solutions at Focus Dental Group vary with various factors. That includes the cause of the problem, associated effects, overall health and medical history, age, and patient’s response to particular procedures and medications.
Splints or night mouthguards are the most common dental approaches to clenched teeth. The oral appliances are designed to fit the lower or upper jaw, keeping the teeth separated to prevent damage from grinding or clenching. Different designs are used depending on the cause and history.
In cases where resulting tooth wear cause extreme sensitivity or compromises proper chewing, a dental correction will suffice. The procedures can range from reshaping or filling your tooth’s chewing surface to repairing tooth damage with crowns.
While dental restoration, splints, and night guards excel at correcting and preventing tooth wear, they might not stop teeth grinding or clenching. That’s why we incorporate behavioural therapy in our teeth grinding solutions. The approach often involves helping customers practice proper jaw and mouth positions.
If your grinding relates to stress or anxiety, we will be happy to recommend a licensed counsellor or therapist. Our dentist can also recommend or implement the right solutions for bruxism originating from an underlying medical condition, sleep disorder, or medications.
Medications also feature in teeth grinding treatment in Blackburn, VIC. Common among them are:
- Botox injections
- Muscle relaxants
- Antidepressants
Why Choose Focus Dental Group for Bruxism Treatment in Blackburn North, VIC?
Here’s are a few reasons why Blackburn residents trust our dental clinic for teeth grinding solutions.
- Over 25 years of experience providing affordable, highly effective dental solutions in Blackburn
- A wide range of bruxism treatment options
- A dedicated team of highly qualified and skilled oral health therapists
- We provide guidance on lifestyle changes that might help stop teeth clenching and grinding.
Your go-to emergency dental clinic in Blackburn
FAQ
- Tooth damage: Bruxing teeth exerts immense pressure on the chewing surface, increasing the risk of premature wear, cracked teeth, pulp exposure, and heightened tooth sensitivity.
- Jaw disorders: Clenching and grinding can compromise the structure of your jaw muscles and joints, resulting in TMD (temporomandibular disorders). TMD manifests in severe neck, facial, and shoulder pain and difficulties swallowing, talking, and chewing.
- Painful headaches: Constant pressure on the jaw and facial muscles can cause headaches.
Your dentist will also be able to note wear surfaces on teeth consistent with grinding.