Teeth grinding often happens without you realising, particularly during sleep, but over time it can wear down teeth and place real strain on your jaw. At Eastern Dental Group in Wantirna South, we assess the signs and help protect your teeth and jaw from further damage.
Call (03) 9887 0822Bruxism is the medical term for the unconscious habit of grinding, clenching, or gnashing the teeth. It commonly happens during sleep, known as sleep bruxism, though some people also grind or clench during the day, often without realising it.
It can affect people of any age, and left unmanaged, can gradually damage the teeth, jaw muscles, and jaw joints over time.
Because grinding often happens during sleep, many people don't realise they do it until symptoms show up, or a partner mentions the sound overnight.
A dull morning headache
Jaw soreness or stiffness on waking
Facial muscle pain
Earache or pain near the ear
Tooth sensitivity
Flattened, chipped, or worn-down teeth
The exact cause of bruxism isn't fully understood, but it's commonly associated with psychological stress and anxiety, many people grind more during periods of heightened pressure at work or in their personal lives. Sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnoea, are also closely linked to sleep bruxism.
Other contributing factors include certain medications, caffeine and alcohol consumption, a misaligned bite, and genetic predisposition. Addressing the underlying cause where possible, alongside dental treatment, is an important part of managing bruxism long term.
Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly called TMD or TMJ disorder, affects the jaw joints and the muscles that control chewing and jaw movement. Teeth grinding is one of the most common contributing factors, the repetitive forces from grinding place significant strain on the jaw joints and supporting muscles.
The two conditions often occur together, bruxism can trigger or worsen TMD, and a jaw joint that's already under strain can make grinding more damaging. We assess both together as part of a full picture of your symptoms.
A protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, worn during sleep to absorb grinding forces and prevent further wear.
Repairing teeth already worn, chipped, or cracked by grinding, and addressing bite alignment where relevant.
Practical guidance on stress, caffeine, and alcohol, factors that can contribute to grinding.
Where stress, jaw tension, or a sleep disorder is a significant factor, we can point you toward the right allied health professional.
Ongoing stress management, physiotherapy for jaw tension, and sleep disorder treatment are typically coordinated with other professionals rather than provided directly by us, we're happy to discuss what may be relevant to your situation and refer you appropriately.
Bruxism is the medical term for the unconscious habit of grinding, clenching, or gnashing the teeth. It commonly happens during sleep, though some people also grind or clench during the day. It can affect people of any age and, left unmanaged, can damage the teeth, jaw muscles, and jaw joints over time.
A dull morning headache, jaw soreness or stiffness on waking, facial muscle pain, earache, tooth sensitivity, flattened or worn-down teeth, and damage to the inside of the cheeks from clenching. Your dentist can often spot signs of grinding during a routine check-up from wear patterns on your teeth.
The exact cause isn't fully understood, but it's commonly associated with stress and anxiety. Sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnoea, are closely linked to sleep bruxism too. Other contributing factors include certain medications, caffeine and alcohol, a misaligned bite, and genetics.
TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) affects the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. Teeth grinding is one of the most common contributing factors, the repetitive forces from grinding place strain on the jaw joints. The two conditions often occur together and are assessed and managed together.
Sustained grinding can wear down enamel, flatten or chip teeth, crack existing fillings or crowns, increase sensitivity, and lead to chronic jaw pain and headaches. Once tooth structure is lost, it needs to be restored with fillings, crowns, or other dental work, which is why earlier management tends to be more straightforward than waiting until damage is severe.
Grinding is fairly common in children, particularly with baby teeth, and often resolves on its own as the child grows. Persistent grinding, especially alongside headaches, jaw pain, disturbed sleep, or noticeable tooth wear, is worth having assessed. We can advise whether any intervention is needed or whether a watch-and-wait approach is more appropriate.
Yes, stress and anxiety are among the most commonly identified triggers. Many people notice they grind more, or start grinding, during periods of heightened stress. Managing stress through exercise, relaxation techniques, and where appropriate, professional support, can help reduce frequency and severity, while a custom night guard protects your teeth in the meantime.
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