Bruxism and TMJ Treatment in Clifton Hill, VIC
Do you suffer from Bruxism or TMJ in Clifton Hill, VIC? Do you have questions about these conditions?
Waking up with headaches, sensitive teeth, or migraine headaches can mean the presence of nighttime teeth grinding habit called bruxism, which means clenching and grinding your teeth. Bruxism leads to a number of severe oral health conditions, not to mention that you might feel fatigued or worn out throughout the day because your jaw is working overtime.
Other signs that Dr Nick Malamas will look for when diagnosing bruxism:
- Bite marks along the insides of cheeks
- Muscle tension in the face, jaw and neck
- Uneven wear patterns on teeth
- Cracked, chipped or broken teeth
- Bony growths beneath the tongue
- Teeth movement and misalignment
- Gum recession or an elongated tooth appearance
- Cavities due to enamel wear
TMJ or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) has been linked to bruxism. If you hear a clicking sound in your jaw, jaw locking, jaw pain, face pain, or headache, you may be suffering from TMJ in Clifton Hill, VIC.
At Clifton Hill Dental, we welcome your call if you have questions or would like to schedule a bruxism or TMJ exam with your dentist in Clifton Hill, VIC.
We also invite you to learn more about these conditions by contacting our office or reading through the information below.
About Our Dentists in Clifton Hill, VIC
Bruxism in Clifton Hill, VIC
- What is bruxism?
- What are the oral health risks of bruxism?
- What causes bruxism?
- How do you treat bruxism?
TMJ in Clifton Hill, VIC
- How do you diagnose TMJ dysfunction?
- What are the signs of TMJ?
- What causes TMJ?
- How do you treat TMJ?
About Our Dentists
Dr Malamas has been treating patients in the Clifton Hill, VIC area since 1994 and keeps up-to-date on the latest dental technologies to bring patients quality dental care. He also dedicates time to continuing education to help bring the latest advances to his patients.
Dr Jeremy Hockey and Dr Edward Ounapuu, our associate dentists, share our patient-centered philosophies and enjoy helping patients achieve better oral health.
Part of their commitment to patient care means they offer evening hours and weekend appointments. Our dentists and their enthusiastic team of dental professionals want to provide convenient hours so you and your loved ones get the care you need.
We also offer personalised care to all patients and take a keen interest in patient comfort. Our Bruxism and TMJ dysfunction therapies are designed to correct or treat these conditions, provide you with comfort and help you leave the associated pain behind.
If you would like to learn more about your dentists in Clifton, Vic, or if you have questions about our team, we welcome your call.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism means you grind or clench your teeth. While it may be possible to refrain from grinding and clenching while awake, some people do these things during sleep. You may wake up with sore jaws, a headache, toothache, jaw pain or face pain. Without treatment, bruxism may lead to TMJ, cavities, tooth breakage and even tooth loss.
Your dentist in Clifton Hill, VIC wants to help you deal with bruxism treatment, so you can rest easy and not wake up in pain or pose a risk to your own oral health.
What are the oral health risks of bruxism?
When left untreated, bruxism often leads to TMJ, temporomandibular joint (jaw joint), disorders and deterioration of the joint condyles, causing the jaws to click, pop or lock when opening and closing the mouth, especially when chewing and yawning.
TMJ dysfunction is a painful condition that may lead to migraines and ongoing face and jaw pain.
Additional risks from bruxism include:
- Enamel wear and cavities
- Breaking teeth
- Gum health issues
- Migraine-type headaches
- Jaw, face or neck pain
Your dentist in Clifton Hill, VIC wants you to live your best life, which is why we provide treatment for bruxism and TMJ dysfunction. If you have questions, we welcome your call.
What causes bruxism?
Bruxism may be linked to stress, an oral bite that is not properly aligned, crooked teeth, missing teeth and even sleep apnoea. Your dentist in Clifton Hill, VIC will carefully examine your bite and the condition of your teeth to determine whether your oral structure contributes to your bruxism.
Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep condition that means you stop breathing for short periods during the night. If the condition is not treated, it may lead to heart health issues or a stroke. They symptoms of sleep apnoea include daytime sleepiness, irritability or difficulty concentrating.
At Clifton Hill Dental, we work hard to treat the conditions that may provide you with an enhanced life quality.
How do you treat bruxism?
If you suffer from bruxism in Clifton Hill, VIC, your dentist may provide therapies to bring your oral structure into better alignment. He may also recommend relaxation exercises for your jaw or create a custom nightguard to gently prevent grinding and clenching during sleep.
How do you diagnose TMJ dysfunction?
Your dentist in Clifton Hill, VIC examines your teeth and gums and takes x-rays to learn more about your jaw health. Your dentist may also ask you a series of questions to help better diagnose and treat your TMJ dysfunction in Clifton Hill, VIC. These questions may also be associated with sleep apnoea.
What are the signs of TMJ?
In addition to clicking and popping jaws, some patients report these common symptoms:
- Headaches and migraines
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Neck, shoulder and back pain
- Daytime fatigue
- Sleep apnoea
- Discomfort when chewing
- Tension in the jaw, forehead and temples
Because the muscles become inflamed, the jaw is unable to sit comfortably in the joints and causes pain, swelling and deterioration. Relaxing the muscles can lead to improved comfort and function.
What causes TMJ?
While the cause of teeth grinding and TMJ cannot always be identified, some factors may contribute to the development of these conditions.
- Misaligned teeth
- Orthodontic relapse
- Growth and development disorders
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Certain medications
- Caffeine consumption
- Stress and anxiety
We work closely with patients to manage lifestyle choices within their control to minimise teeth grinding. We also sometimes recommend a sleep analysis to rule out sleep apnoea, which is closely linked to teeth grinding and TMJ. Relaxation exercises and stress management can also help.
How do you treat TMJ?
In addition to instructions for relaxing jaw joints and making lifestyle adjustments, a bruxism nightguard can protect teeth and help the jaw achieve ideal alignment to allow muscle inflammation to decrease. Nightguards also place a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth to prevent wear and fractures while you sleep.
A nightguard designed by Dr Malamas is superior to the store-bought varieties, as it is custom-designed to fit the contours of your smile. It has a smaller profile so it is more comfortable to wear and easier to breathe during sleep. Occasional adjustments and repairs to the oral appliance might be necessary to protect teeth.
Are You Looking for Bruxism and TMJ Treatment in Clifton, VIC?
Is Jaw Pain Keeping You Awake at Night?
We invite you to get in touch with Clifton Hill Dental to arrange a consultation with Dr Malamas. He will discuss your condition and treatment recommendations to protect your teeth and help you sleep comfortably.
conditions and can cause painful symptoms, like headaches.
relaxing fit for every patient. 
