Bruxism Treatment

When it comes to finding qualified and targeted bruxism treatments, Armadale residents know to turn to the trusted and local clinic here at Melbourne TMJ centre.

Our staff are committed to improve the quality of sleep of all our valued patients, providing personalised treatment plans that deliver proven and lasting results.

We provide treatment options that combat a number of sleep-affecting conditions, including both primary and secondary bruxism.

This common condition involves an individual involuntary grinding their teeth, generally while they are asleep. This grinding can be forceful and lead to a number of health complaints and compromise the strength of your teeth and gums.

There are two types of bruxism (teeth grinding).

• Primary bruxism – no known cause
• Secondary bruxism – caused from something else

Approximately 60% of the population will have Primary Bruxism, as a “normal” grinding habit. In other words, they grind their teeth at night as a normal habit of their sleep.

Bruxism is most effectively managed by treating the actual “cause.” In Primary bruxism, since there is no actual cause, management involves protecting the teeth and mouth from the damaging forces of bruxism. This can be achieved via a dental splint to protect the teeth from wear, and protect the muscles from overworking.

Causes of Secondary bruxism can include:

• Sleep disorders (sleep apnoea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome)
• Airway obstruction
• Breathing difficulty
• Traumatic injuries
• Chronic pain
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Drugs/medications
• Smoking
• Caffeine and alcohol

Secondary bruxism is most effectively managed by treating the actual “cause.” This can involve many modalities, such as treating the sleep disorder, tonsil/adenoid removal surgery to clear the airways, managing stress, or changing/stopping certain medications.

As a result, sometimes a dental splint won’t manage the bruxism properly. The splint will only protect the teeth and muscles, but the patient will still grind their teeth.

If the cause of bruxism isn’t properly identified, sometimes a dental splint can worsen the problem. In patients with airway/breathing problems (such as obstructive sleep apnoea, OSA), an improperly designed dental splint can block the airway even more, making it harder for the patient to breathe, and hence, worsen their medical health. Special dental splints called Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS) can be made for people with OSA to both manage their airways and protect their teeth from bruxism.

Treatment of Teeth Grinding

While bruxism may not have an immediate impact on the individual’s sleep, its effects become far more apparent over time.

If left untreated it can lead to higher than average tooth wear, sore and strained jaw muscles, increased tooth sensitivity and cracked or damaged tooth enamel and fillings.

The practitioners at the Melbourne TMJ & Facial Pain Centre™ offers effective treatments to combat the effects of bruxism, with qualified and experienced sleep and TMD dentists on staff to provide stress-free treatment where necessary.

Our physiotherapists & osteopaths can walk our patients through a tailored management plan that works to relieve various factors that may be contributing to their bruxism. This can include exercise plans, relaxation methods and techniques and stress management.

Our experienced GP Dr Braham Goldberg can also assist bruxism sufferers with Muscle Relaxant Injection Therapy (MRIT) and works alongside our dentist when required.

To learn more about our available bruxism treatments Caulfield, Elsterwick, Armdale and Toorak residents can contact our clinic today.

Bruxism Treatment in Caulfield, Elsterwick, Armadale, Prahran and Toorak

At the Melbourne TMJ & Facial Pain Centre™ we are proud to be one of the most respected and sought-after clinics across the city’s suburbs, delivering one-on-one care and treatments to patients of all ages.

Our friendly and specialist team have over 40 years of experience between them, working together to help our patients find the perfect solution to their sleep problems or difficulties.

We are among the leaders in our field, helping countless patients to sleep soundly and live more energetic and active lives as a result. Our bruxism treatments provide patients with a more stable and well-rounded sleep pattern and support their overall health and wellbeing.

For all consultation enquiries, or to learn more about the lasting benefits of a proven bruxism treatment Caulfield, Elsterwick, Armadale, Prahran and Toorak residents can call the Melbourne TMJ & Facial Pain Centre™ today on 03 9824 8868.