BRUXISM, TEETH GRINDING & TMJ

Our teeth might be sturdy, but they can still be worn down over time – or even badly damaged – by something as simple as the way we move our mouths. We have to take care of our teeth at all times, and this could easily mean protecting them from ourselves and the unconscious habits that might be hurting our smiles.

At New Leaf Dentists, we see many patients with bruxism and TMJ disorders, and in many cases, there are ways you can prevent these conditions from worsening. If you need dental treatment for these problems or any others, then feel free to give us a call at (02) 4367 6222.

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What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is another term for habitual teeth grinding and clenching, which can happen while awake or asleep. It does not always require treatment (roughly a third of the population grinds their teeth to some degree), but it can still cause significant damage. If left unaddressed, worsening bruxism can result in structural issues among your teeth – this can extend to restorations and dentures too.

Causes & Symptoms Of Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Waking bruxism is primarily caused by stress or frustration, while sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea may result in sleeping bruxism. If you grind your teeth, then your teeth might slowly become fractured or loose. On top of this, the teeth will become more sensitive, and your jaw muscles are more likely to ache. Sleep bruxism may even be loud enough to disrupt your partner’s rest.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ refers to a wide variety of disorders of the temporomandibular joint. This connects the jaw to the skull, so problems with it can seriously get in the way of eating and even speaking. Roughly 1 in 10 of us will contend with these issues in our lifetime – this can go away after a short time, but you might require dental intervention if it does not.

Causes & Symptoms Of TMJ

There is no one cause for TMJ, but teeth grinding is a major contributor. General jaw issues and even injuries similarly lead to TMJ troubles – even frequently chewing gum can be a risk factor. TMJ can lead to tenderness and pain in the jaw, as well as the jaw itself locking. In some cases, dentists use an occlusal splint moulded to your teeth to provide relief.

Diagnosis And Solutions

Both bruxism and TMJ are diagnosed by dental professionals, who will evaluate your jaw and teeth to see how severe your case might be. For bruxism, they might rely on a mouth guard or splint, or even just give patients awareness of their responses to stress. For TMJ there is again the occlusal splint alongside anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants. Surgery can sometimes be needed but only in extreme cases.

Book Your Consultation Today!

If you are struggling with your jaw in any way, or you are finding it difficult not to grind your teeth, then you might benefit from a dental exam. If you would like to book with New Leaf Dentists, please use our online booking platform.