Many people grind their teeth without even knowing it. Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is an involuntary clenching, grinding and gnashing of the teeth. People usually find out about it when their dentist notices the tell-tale signs of worn-down teeth or when symptoms such as jaw pain and headache start to develop.
Some people only do it occasionally, such as during times of stress. Others do it chronically—often unconsciously—and it is the latter that can cause a lot of problems. Symptoms are uncomfortable and painful, and you can permanently damage your teeth and jaw joint if the problem is not addressed.
The dentists at Charlestown Dental Care evaluate patients for signs of teeth grinding as part of their routine check-ups. Some of the signs they are looking for include:
If we suspect a bruxism habit, we will talk to you about solutions for resolving the problems to prevent further damage and to relieve any pain you might be feeling from the forces of clenching or grinding.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects our lower jaw to our skull. Sometimes this joint, which is what enables us to open and close our mouth, has inflammation. The result is often chronic pain or difficulty opening and closing the mouth. Called TMD disorders, they are more commonly referred to as TMJ.
TMJ disorder is a broad term for a wide variety of issues characterised by some or all of the following symptoms:
Treatment for bruxism may be as simple as a customised night guard that is worn during sleep. This oral appliance creates a barrier between the teeth to protect, so there is no further damage from clenching or grinding. It also relieves pressure on the TMJ and helps prevent further degeneration of the joint.
Patients who have a bruxism habit might decide to participate in a sleep study to find out whether they also have sleep apnoea as the two often go hand-in-hand. Patients who discover they have sleep apnoea and receive treatment often find that their bruxism habit is alleviated.
If you are experiencing unexplained pain in the jaw, neck, head or shoulders, or if you suspect you are grinding your teeth in your sleep, we welcome you to call our Charlestown, NSW dental clinic. Our dentists can conduct an evaluation and help come up with solutions so you can enjoy a comfortable, healthy smile.
While teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is very common among adults, it can cause serious damage to your teeth and jaw joints. If you wake up with sore muscles or you have noticed that you clench or grind your teeth, we can make a night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
TMJ symptoms can come and go or remain constant. It depends on the patient. Some of the common symptoms include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact our office for an evaluation!
Peter was born in Newcastle and went to The Junction Primary School and Newcastle High School. Following in his father’s footsteps he entered Sydney University Faculty of Dentistry. Graduating in 1984, he moved back home to Newcastle and has been working in Charlestown in the practice his father started in 1960 ever since.
Peter has been a member of The Newcastle Dental Study Group since 1985 and regularly attends continuing education to keep up to date with current trends in the delivery of quality dental care.
Peter has two children. Abbey is ...
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause ongoing discomfort, affecting everyday activities such as eating, speaking, or even smiling. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty moving your jaw, seeking professional TMJ treatment in Charlestown, NSW, is essential for relief. With the right care, you can alleviate pain, ...
TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) and bruxism (teeth grinding) are commonly mistaken as the same condition. While they share some symptoms and are often linked, they are not identical. TMJ refers to issues with the jaw joint, while bruxism is the act of grinding or clenching teeth, usually during sleep.
Your TMJ and bruxism may be related. Fortunately, your dentist in Charlestown, NSW offers treatment.
TMJ or temporomandibular joint refers to the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When the joint is not functioning correctly, it can mean headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, shoulder aches and ...