Tooth Grinding & TMJ Treatment

TMJ Disorder & Bruxism

If you wake up with jaw joint pain, or your teeth look flattened and worn, it could be a sign of bruxism (teeth grinding). It's a common condition that can happen while you’re awake or asleep and may come and go with stress. The habit usually doesn’t last long and often resolves on its own, but in severe cases, it can lead to tooth damage and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.

If teeth are worn down to a point where the dentine under your tooth enamel is exposed, you could risk damaging or even losing the tooth. At Mount Lawley Dental, we can diagnose the condition and tailor a treatment plan to help prevent further damage and alleviate any jaw pain. Call us on (08) 9227 8777 or book an appointment today.

Symptoms of Bruxism

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching over time puts extra pressure on the tissues, muscles and structures surrounding your jaw. You might recognise one or more of these signs and symptoms:

• Stiffness or pain in jaw joint muscles
• Chronic facial pain and/or earaches
• Grinding noise heard by someone while you sleep
• Tension headaches
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Worn down tooth enamel

If pain is present, it could also be a sign of an infection and a root canal may be needed to save the tooth. We recommend seeing a dentist as early as possible.

Symptoms of TMJ disorder

The temporomandibular joints are hinge-like joints that connect the skull and jaws, just below the ears. Causes of TMJ disorder include bruxism, a misalignment of teeth or jaws, gum chewing and arthritis. Signs and symptoms include:

• Popping sound when you open and close your mouth
• Locking sensation of the jaw when you eat
• Jaw pain, facial pain, headaches and earaches
• Stiff neck or tension in the shoulders
• Disrupted sleep
• Worn down enamel
• Chipped or fractured teeth 

Think you may have TMJD? Schedule an appointment on (08) 9227 8777 or book online.

Diagnosis and Treatment

During your appointment, your dentist examines your teeth and jaws to check your range of jaw movement, any noise in the jaw joint, your bite and tooth wear. To help with a diagnosis, an x-ray or pain diagram may also be used.

If you are diagnosed with bruxism or TMJD, we'll prepare a suitable treatment planto repair any damage, remove identified causes and change any behaviours that contribute to the condition. This may include:

• Wearing a mouthguard (night splint) to protect teeth and jaws
• Relaxation techniques or mediation to relieve stress
• Physical therapy exercises to relieve pain or discomfort
• Muscle relaxant injections
• Tooth bonding, fillings, inlays,onlays, or a crown to restore damaged teeth

Identifying a grinding or clenching habit early is key to avoid serious damage to your oral health down the track.

Reducing TMJ disorder from home

TMJ disorder can be an ongoing condition that can be managed in a number of ways, including wearing a custom-made mouthguard provided by your dentist. Your dentist may also recommend restoring tooth enamel to protect teeth from further damage. In the meantime, there are ways to help manage TMJ pain from home:

• Take over-the-counter temporary pain relief
• Use a hot or cold compress on the jaw
• Try meditation or yoga exercises to relive stress and anxiety
• Consume softer foods while you’re managing pain

If you experience jaw pain, tooth sensitivity or worn tooth enamel, book an appointment at Mount Lawley Dental to see how we can help. Call (08) 9227 8777, or book an appointment online.