Treat bruxism & teeth grinding
What Is Bruxism?
What Is Bruxism?
Also known as teeth grinding, bruxism is a condition in which people unconsciously grind or clench their teeth. It is a common condition, affecting 85-90% of people.
If left untreated, bruxism can cause excessive wear and damage to your teeth. Bruxism can wear down the tooth enamel, which is the outer layer that covers and protects the inner parts of your teeth, potentially resulting in cracks and tooth sensitivity. Similarly, excessive clenching can result in facial and jaw pain.
At Noosa Family Dental we are all about prevention first.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for bruxism, as the best course of treatment will depend on the underlying cause. However, there are a number of options available to help relieve symptoms and protect your teeth from further damage.
Diagnosing teeth grinding
At Noosa Family Dental, our team of experienced dentists will conduct a full examination of your mouth, looking for any tell-tale signs of bruxism. In some cases, we may also use X-rays to get a clear picture of what can’t be seen with the naked eye.
We typically look for:
- Cracked tooth enamel
- Visible wear on the teeth
- Broken teeth or restorations
- Temporomandibular joint disorders
Bruxism symptoms & signs
As bruxism is an unconscious habit, it can make it hard for people to recognise signs and symptoms until they are experiencing noticeable side effects. These include:
- Dull headaches
- Neck, shoulder, jaw and back pain
- Popping or clicking jaw joint
- Toothaches
- Earaches
- Temperature-sensitive teeth
- Bite marks on the tongue and cheeks
Restoring lost minerals in your teeth
Fluoride can help protect teeth affected by bruxism by strengthening and hardening the enamel, making it more resistant to the wear caused by grinding or clenching. Regular fluoride treatments can help slow down the rate of enamel loss and reduce sensitivity, offering an added layer of protection for those who experience tooth wear from bruxism.
Save on expensive dental treatments
Addressing bruxism early with simple and affordable treatments can help prevent extensive damage and costly dental work later on. By managing teeth grinding and protecting the enamel with measures like fluoride treatments or custom night guards, you can slow down wear and preserve your natural teeth. This proactive approach can save you from needing major restorative procedures in the future, such as crowns, implants, or veneers.
Mouthguards
The most common treatment for night time bruxism is to wear a mouthguard or splint. This is a custom-made device that is worn over the teeth to protect them from grinding and clenching while you sleep.
Mouthguards (or splints) for bruxism are made from soft, pliable materials and fit snugly over the teeth. They work by cushioning the teeth, absorbing the impact of clenching and grinding and preventing damage to the teeth.
Worn teeth repair
If you have already experienced damage to your teeth as a result of bruxism, our team can help. We will assess the damage and recommend a treatment plan to restore and protect your worn teeth from further damage.
At Noosa Family Dental we are serious about saving every last millimetre of your teeth. We offer a range of restorative dental treatments to repair and protect your teeth. Don’t wait – book your bruxism assessment today.
How Noosa Family Dental can help you
At Noosa Family Dental, we are committed to providing the highest standard of dental care. We offer a range of treatment options for bruxism and teeth grinding, tailored to your individual needs.
We understand that everyone is different, which is why we take a personalised approach to treatment. Our team will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and develop a treatment plan that is perfect for you.
We believe that proactive dental care is the best approach for your oral health. We recommend regular check-ups and cleans so that we can identify any problems early and provide prompt treatment. Book your appointment today.
Kind words form our patients
Learn more about bruxism today
How common is bruxism?
Bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders that affects as many as 10% of adults and up to 15% of children.
What are the types of bruxism?
Bruxism can happen during the day or at night and can be either conscious or unconscious.
Awake Bruxism: This type of bruxism happens when you are awake and is often a response to stress or anxiety. Awake bruxism often doesn’t need treatment, if you’re more likely to notice and stop.
Sleep Bruxism: Sleep bruxism is a type of bruxism that happens during sleep. It is considered a sleep disorder and can cause serious damage to your teeth if left untreated. Symptoms include worn teeth, jaw pain and cracked teeth.
Can children have a dental grinding problem?
Like adults, children can have bruxism. Children’s teeth and jaws change quickly, and they may outgrow bruxism by the time they lose their baby teeth.
However, if your child continues to grind their teeth, it is important to see a dentist as they may need treatment to prevent damage to their adult teeth.
Why choose Noosa Family Dental?
We understand that visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for some, which is why we go above and beyond to make sure our patients feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment they step into our practice.
Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with the latest technology and our team of experienced dental professionals are here to provide you with the highest quality of care.
We offer a wide range of services such as general check-ups, teeth restoration, mouth guards, whitening and more. We also have a special interest in worn teeth treatments to help prevent tooth wear and grinding.
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us today!