Protect Your Teeth with Bruxism Treatment in Karrinyup

• Stress and anxiety:
  Stress and anxiety often increase muscle tension, resulting in teeth grinding and clenching.
  
  
• Genetics:
  Bruxism may run in families, suggesting that there is a genetic component.
  
  
• Medications:
  Stimulant medications such as amphetamines, antidepressants, and even some medicines for Parkinson’s disease have been linked to bruxism.
  
  
• Alcohol, smoking, and caffeine:
  These can all contribute to bruxism by changing sleep patterns and increasing muscle tension.

Your dentist may recommend wearing a custom mouthguard while sleeping to protect your teeth from grinding. A custom mouthguard is specifically designed to fit the contours of your teeth, creating a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent them from grinding against each other. This not only protects the teeth from damage but also reduces muscle tension in the jaw, minimising the frequency and intensity of bruxism episodes.

Another approach to managing bruxism is through the use of Botox treatments. This minimally invasive procedure helps reduce the pain and intensity of teeth grinding and clenching, providing relief from jaw discomfort. It can complement your existing bruxism management plan.

In addition to these options,dental crowns can also be used to strengthen teeth that have become weakened or damaged due to bruxism. Your dentist may also recommend stress management techniques and relaxation exercises.

• Unusual teeth wear and sensitivity
• Sore or tender jaw
• Facial muscle pain
• Headaches or ear pain
• Jaw clenching or grinding sounds while sleeping
• A feeling of tightness or fatigue in the jaws
• Discomfort in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
• Disruption of sleep

The length of treatment for bruxism can vary depending on the severity, treatment type, and cause of the condition. Treatments are tailored to each individual and may include lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, dental treatments, and muscle relaxants. In general, most patients will see improvement within a few weeks of starting treatment.

However, the length of treatment will ultimately depend on the individual’s specific situation. Please book a dental appointment at Karrinyup Dental Centre so we can help you determine the appropriate course of action and timeline for treatment.

Bruxism treatment is generally not considered to be a painful process. The most common treatment option for bruxism is the use of a custom-fitted mouthguard, which is designed to fit comfortably and protect the teeth from grinding or clenching. While it may take some time to adjust to wearing a mouthguard, most individuals find that it is not painful or uncomfortable.

Other treatment options, such as medication or therapy, may involve some discomfort or side effects, but these are typically manageable and short-lived.

While bruxism treatment is generally effective in managing the symptoms associated with teeth grinding and clenching, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects that can occur. Depending on the type of treatment used, potential side effects can include:

Night Guards:

• • Discomfort or soreness in the jaw or teeth
  • Difficulty speaking or swallowing
  • Increased salivation or dry mouth
  • Headaches

Medications:

• • Nausea
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Drowsiness or fatigue
  • Dry mouth

Botulinum toxin injections:

• • Bruising or swelling at the injection site
  • Headaches
  • Flu-like symptoms, such as fever or chills
  • Muscle weakness or stiffness in the face or neck

Cognitive behavioural therapy:

• • Emotional distress or anxiety related to addressing the underlying causes of bruxism
  • Difficulty adjusting to new behaviours or thought patterns
  • Frustration or disappointment if progress is slow or not achieved

Our dental team will discuss these potential side effects with you so you can weigh the benefits and risks of each treatment option before making a decision.

Yes. Bruxism treatment can help prevent future teeth damage by addressing the jaw alignment, improving the bite, and helping to retrain muscles in the jaw and mouth to relax.
Night guards act as a cushion, absorbing the force of the grinding and protecting the teeth from damage. By wearing a night guard, the teeth are less likely to chip or break, and the enamel is less likely to wear away.

Dental crowns are custom-made tooth-shaped caps that are placed over damaged teeth to protect them and restore their function. In cases where teeth have already been damaged due to bruxism, dental crowns can help prevent further damage by providing an additional layer of protection.

• Reduce stress:
  Stress is often a trigger for bruxism. Find ways to relax, such as meditating, exercising, listening to calming music, or spending time with friends and family.
  
  
• Avoid trigger foods and drinks:
  Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and sugary snacks, which can increase the urge to grind your teeth.
  
  
• Practise a good sleep routine:
  Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a comfortable environment for sleeping.
  
  
• Exercise regularly:
  Exercise is beneficial for both physical and mental health and can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, which are known triggers for bruxism.
  
  
• Quit smoking:
  Smoking can increase muscle tension, which can exacerbate bruxism and cause damage to the teeth and gums.
  
  
• Avoid chewing gum:
  Chewing gum can strain the jaw muscles and increase the risk of bruxism.

• Night guard: We offer custom-fitted night guards to address tooth grinding, with cost starting at $650. This splint can be included in your bruxism management to minimise the impact of teeth grinding and protect your teeth while you sleep.


• Botox for clenching and grinding: Botox treatment, which can help relax the jaw muscles and reduce the symptoms of bruxism, is available at our clinic for $500. This treatment can provide relief from jaw tension and pain associated with teeth grinding.


• Dental crowns: For teeth that have been damaged due to bruxism, we provide porcelain dental crowns at a cost starting at $1,800. These bespoke, handcrafted crowns are designed to cover and protect your damaged teeth, restoring their strength and appearance.