Tooth grinding and/or clenching is also known as Bruxism. A habitual occurrence of both bruxism and clenching can severely affect both your teeth and your TMJ (temporo-mandibular jaw joints).
Bruxism is very common and can be a habit or a deep seated unconscious reflex which happens mostly at night and is often difficult to stop. As part of any dental examination we screen for tooth grinding and signs of tooth wear as if it is caught and treated early, it can prevent devastating tooth loss.
How Can Bruxism Damage My Teeth?
The inside of the tooth known as dentine is much softer than the hard, outer enamel, and so wear can suddenly become much more destructive if it breaks through into the inner layer. Think of a lolly with a hard, outer shell and which is soft inside, a bit like a smartie. In addition, when crucial functional teeth wear down, this can lead to other teeth becoming involved in biting forces that they are not designed to withstand. Worn teeth are generally painless although some of the complications of tooth grinding are;
An increase in sensitivity
Localised gum recession
Fractured teeth
Broken fillings
Broken crowns
Uneven rough and sharp surfaces to your teeth
How Does Bruxism Affect the Jaw Joints?
An even bigger complication of tooth grinding (bruxism) and clenching is the strain on the TMJ joints (jaw joints) which are connected to muscles which run over the temples and around the back of the neck and head. It can lead to a syndrome known as Tempro-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMD or TMJD) and is a common condition affecting a wide variety of people.
TMD is often characterized by;
Severe headaches
Jaw pain of varying degrees
Waking up in the morning with jaw pain
Clicking of the right or left side of the jaw
Pain when opening and closing the mouth
Locking of the jaw into an open or closed position
Grinding teeth
Intermittent ringing in the ears
The vast majority of sufferers are unaware that the root cause of these problems is something that a dentist can effectively treat.
The symptoms of TMD are debilitating and can greatly interfere with everyday life. The comfort and general well-being of the patient is at the heart of the Redcliffe Dental practice, so pain relief is the first consideration of our dentists. We are able to diagnose TMD and devise an immediate plan to treat and manage the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common symptoms of TMJ disorders and bruxism?
Symptoms include jaw clicking or locking, headaches, worn or chipped teeth, facial muscle soreness, and discomfort when chewing or yawning.
How are TMJ and bruxism treated at Redcliffe Dental?
Treatment options may involve a custom bite splint (night guard), physiotherapy referral, bite adjustments, and restoring worn teeth to balance your bite and reduce strain on the jaw.
Can untreated bruxism damage my teeth?
Yes, chronic teeth grinding can cause enamel wear, cracks, tooth sensitivity and even gum recession. Early diagnosis and intervention help prevent long‑term damage.
Thank you for booking with Redcliffe Dental. If you are not able to find a time that suits please contact us on 3284 2244 as not all times are available through online portal.
