Bruxism Treatment

The team at Lower Templestowe Dental Excellence takes a vested interest in your well-being. Part of their commitment includes keeping your teeth, gums and jaws free from pain and injury.

If you suffer from bruxism, it means you grind and clench your teeth. Because this typically takes place during sleep, you may not be aware you have the condition until you notice symptoms, which can include:

• Head, neck and jaw pain
• Tooth pain
• Irritability

Left untreated, bruxism can also result in:

• Interrupted sleep
• Fractured, lose or damaged teeth
• Worn enamel and susceptibility to cavities
• An increase in head, neck and jaw pain
• A tight or locked jaw muscle
• Ear pain
• Bites on the inner cheek

Dr Mini Li and her team take bruxism very seriously and customise treatments to address your specific needs.

Bruxism Causes and Risk Factors

The reasons for bruxism are not completely understood. However, it is sometimes associated with anxiety, dream states and sleep apnoea. There is some speculation that genetics play a role as well.

In any case, your dentist can help relieve the pain associated with this condition and provide treatments to control the habit.

Additional risk factors for bruxism may include:

• Smoking
• Caffeine
• Dementia
• Acid reflux
• ADHD
• Family history
• Young adulthood

Bruxism Treatment

If you notice any of the telltale signs of bruxism, we encourage you to arrange a consultation in our dental clinic as soon as possible. We want to save you the pain and discomfort associated with this condition and keep your teeth and jaw joints healthy.

Your Lower Templestowe dentist has a lot of experience diagnosing and treating bruxism and may consider the following treatments based on your specific needs.

• Referral to a specialist if your bruxism is linked to anxiety or sleep apnoea
• Appliance therapy (a custom splint) to gently prevent grinding and clenching during sleep
• Anti-wrinkle injections to help relax jaw muscles

Sleep apnoea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing several times during the night. Left untreated, sleep apnoea has been linked to heart health conditions, high blood pressure and more.

Splint therapy is a custom appliance that gently prevents your jaws from coming together during sleep.

Anti-wrinkle injections are delivered through a whisper-thin needle, which is too delicate to be called a 'shot.' The ingredients relax your bruxism-stiff jaw muscles, making you less likely to grind and clench.  

Your dentist may opt for one or more of these treatments based on your unique situation.

For Grinding and Clenching Treatment, We Are Here to Help

When it comes to treating bruxism, our dentists take a personalised approach to treatment and utilise the latest techniques and technologies to help you sleep easily without risking your smile or your health.

We provide bruxism treatment in all locations, including Lower Templestowe, Templestowe, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Donvale, Balwyn, Balwyn North, Mont Albert North, Bulleen, Heidelberg and Ivanhoe.