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Clenching & Grinding | Bruxism Treatment Melbourne

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clenching-dentistry

Addressing Clenching & Grinding in Melbourne - Your Solution at Dentist Port Melbourne

Clenching Dentistry

Most people are unaware that your upper and lower teeth should not touch apart from chewing.

Understanding Bruxism: Clenching or grinding of teeth, often involuntary and during sleep, can lead to a range of dental issues. From jaw pain to damaged teeth, bruxism requires professional attention to prevent long-term complications.

People who do not clench or grind their teeth only touch them for about 3 minutes daily. Lips touch, but teeth are slightly apart just about all the time. People who clench and grind their teeth keep them in contact with each other for up to 8 or more hours a day.

Bruxism or teeth grinding refers to the involuntary clenching or gnashing of the teeth. It is a common occurrence, with approximately half the population experiencing it occasionally. Roughly 5% of individuals are habitual, using forceful tooth grinding. Bruxism can occur during sleep, but some people exhibit this behaviour while awake.

Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

  • Teeth sensitivity
  • Sore jaw or TMJ (temporomandibular joint)
  • Sore facial muscles (temples)
  • Neck aches
  • Shoulder aches
  • Back pain

Signs For the Dentist to Look For

  • Teeth touching at rest.
  • Worn teeth.
  • Buccal surface abrasion (on the neck of the tooth).
  • Hyperactive facial muscles.
  • Tongue scalloping.
  • Tiredness of the jaw muscles during routine examination and cleaning.

Most people who clench and grind are unaware they’re doing so because often it can be painless and symptom-free. Protecting teeth is one of the most valuable services that our dentist can provide, so see us at our clinic– within proximity of neighbouring suburbs, South Melbourne & St Kilda.

Benefits of Choosing Dentist Port Melbourne:

  • Experienced and Caring Team
  • Personalised Treatment Plans
  • State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Tools
  • Comprehensive Range of Services
  • Emphasis on Patient Education

Why Dentist Port Melbourne?

Our dedicated team at Dentist Port Melbourne specialises in comprehensive solutions for clenching and grinding. We prioritise your oral health and overall well-being, offering personalised care to address your specific needs.

Services We Offer:

  1. Diagnostic Assessment: We begin by conducting a thorough examination to understand the extent of your bruxism. Our advanced diagnostic tools help us tailor a treatment plan just for you.

  2. Customized Night Guards: For many, bruxism is more prominent during sleep. Our custom-designed night guards provide a protective barrier, preventing further damage caused by clenching and grinding.

  3. Stress Management Techniques: Stress is a common contributor to bruxism. Our team can guide you through stress management techniques to reduce tension and minimize the impact on your dental health.

  4. Restorative Dentistry: If bruxism has already caused dental damage, our restorative dentistry services can help repair and restore your teeth to their optimal condition.

Don’t let clenching and grinding compromise your dental health. Visit Dentist Port Melbourne for effective solutions tailored to your needs. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free smile. Your oral health is our priority.

Risk Factors

These factors can heighten the risk of bruxism:

  • Stress: Increased anxiety, anger, or frustration can trigger teeth grinding.
  • Age: Bruxism is more common in young children but often diminishes in adulthood.
  • Personality Type: Individuals with aggressive, competitive, or hyperactive personality traits may face an elevated risk of bruxism.
  • Medications and Substances: Some psychiatric medications, like certain antidepressants, may have bruxism as a rare side effect. Tobacco smoking, consumption of caffeinated beverages or alcohol, and the use of recreational drugs can also increase the risk.
  • Family History: Bruxism tends to run in families, so if you have it, other family members may also have a history of bruxism.
  • Other Disorders: Bruxism can be associated with certain mental health and medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, sleep-related disorders like sleep apnoea, and more.
  • Complications

Bruxism doesn’t cause serious complications. But may lead to:

  • Teeth damage
  • Dame to restorations, crowns, or jaw
  • Headaches
  • Severe facial or jaw pain
  • Disorders that occur in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs)

Teeth Grinding in Children

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can also affect children, and parents may notice their kids grinding their teeth, especially during sleep. Children’s teeth and jaws undergo rapid changes, and they may naturally outgrow bruxism as they lose their baby teeth. However, some children may continue to grind their teeth into their teenage years. Regardless of age, teeth grinding in children can lead to various issues, like headaches, jaw pain, TMJ disorders, and wear and tear of teeth, just like in adults.

Unlike adults, stress is not typically the main cause of bruxism in children. Instead, teeth grinding in children may be attributed to various factors, such as allergies, misaligned teeth, mouth irritation, obstructive sleep apnoea, or heredity.

If you observe signs of bruxism in your child, such as worn teeth or hear grinding sounds, it’s essential to consult our childrens dentist. We will assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatments. Sometimes, a night guard may be suggested to protect the teeth from grinding, providing relief until the child outgrows the habit. If stress appears to be a contributing factor, stress relief strategies may be recommended to address the root causes of bruxism in children.

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Get in touch with us today at (03) 9646 2577.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you suspect that you may be grinding your teeth, it is advisable to consult your dentist. They are well-equipped to evaluate and diagnose bruxism. During a dental examination:

Dentists will closely inspect your teeth for any physical signs of bruxism, such as worn or chipped tooth surfaces.

They will examine the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) for tenderness, pain, or any indications of stress or dysfunction.

Dentists will inquire about your symptoms, including jaw pain, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or other relevant discomforts.

Medications are not typically used to stop teeth grinding. Instead, your dentist might provide a custom-made night guard, an orthotic device to be worn in your mouth before sleep. This night guard is a protective barrier, safeguarding your teeth, muscles, and TMJs from the pressure generated during grinding. In certain cases, your healthcare provider may recommend taking a muscle relaxant before bedtime as part of the treatment approach.

To prevent teeth grinding (also known as bruxism), consider these key points:

Avoid Cigarettes, Drugs, and Alcohol: Refrain from smoking cigarettes and using recreational drugs, as these substances can exacerbate teeth grinding. Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption, as it can also worsen sleep bruxism.

Regular Dental Checkups: Dentists can identify signs of teeth grinding early on and provide treatment options to prevent long-term damage. These visits allow for timely intervention and the implementation of preventive measures.

Address Dental Problems: Misaligned teeth, missing teeth, or bite problems can contribute to bruxism. Consulting with a dentist to correct these issues can reduce the likelihood of teeth grinding.

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Google Rating
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Based on 138 reviews
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