Do you ever experience pain and discomfort in your jaws or notice damaging tooth wear? If so, you may want to consider visiting your dentist for a checkup. These symptoms are commonly associated with bruxism, a potentially harmful habit of grinding and clenching the teeth.
At Clifton Hill Dental, we offer comfortable and effective non-invasive therapies to treat bruxism and relieve any related pain and discomfort. We offer custom-made mouthguards and nightguards, and we also provide our patients with relaxation techniques to ease tension in the mouth and jaw.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a teeth-grinding habit often associated with TMJ, a jaw joint disorder. Common symptoms include headaches, cracked or chipped teeth, muscle tension in the head and neck, tooth sensitivity, and more.
Because your jaw is working overtime, bruxism can lead to several severe oral health conditions, and it can often mean sore jaw joints. If left unmanaged, bruxism can wreak havoc on the body and affect a person's overall health and wellbeing.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
There are many reasons why a person may experience teeth grinding and clenching, such as:
- Stress, frustration or tension
- Crooked teeth
- Missing teeth
- Misaligned bite
- Sleep disorders, like sleep apnoea
Bruxism can also result from certain medications or medical conditions like Parkinson's disease, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Your dentist will carefully evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums and your bite to determine if you experience bruxism because of your oral structures. Once we determine the cause, we can provide more effective treatment based on your needs.
Do You Need Help Managing Your Bruxism?
Dr Nick Malamas is a dentist near me who can help you alleviate and manage the symptoms associated with bruxism. Our team at Clifton Hill Dental offers customised mouthguards and nightguards that can protect your teeth and reposition your jaws so your bruxism habit doesn't negatively impact your oral health.
Whatever your needs may be, our team is here to help you ensure you have the healthy, functional and attractive smile you want.
We invite you to contact your dentist in Queens Parade and Clifton Hill so we can arrange a convenient appointment for you.