Tooth Grinding

Signs of Bruxism & Clenching

Tooth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching is a common oral health concern that can occur while you’re asleep or awake, however in most cases you’re not aware of it until someone tells you.

In prolonged cases, grinding and clenching leads to worn down teeth and TMJ pain. Here are the signs to watch:

• Teeth appear yellow, flattened, fractured or chipped
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Sore jaw muscles, jaw locking or popping and clicking sounds
• Jaw, neck, ear and facial pain
• Dull headaches
• Cheek biting
• Restless sleep

If you think you grind or clench, book an appointment for a thorough assessment.

Signs of TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge-like joint that connects the skull and jaw on each side of your face. TMJ disorder is the condition affecting those jaw joints along with the muscles attached to your jaws. Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder include: 

• Jaw pain and tenderness while clenching, yawning and chewing
• Jaw stiffness
• Clicking or popping sound while opening and closing your mouth
• Headaches
• Hearing loss
• Dizziness

Custom mouthguards for Bruxism, Clenching and TMJD

Dental splints also known as custom mouthguards, occlusal splints and bite plates. Both types of dental splints are custom-made using impressions that have been taken by your dentist. Made of clear plastic, the mouthguard fits between and over the upper and lower teeth to prevent you from clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth. A custom mouthguard for bruxism, jaw clenching or TMJD:

• Helps ease tension of jaw muscles
• Helps to stabilise the jaw
• Takes around 3 months

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

OSA is a sleep disorder that is thought to affect one in 10 Australian adults. It occurs when your tongue and throat muscles relax and narrow the upper airway, causing you to stop and start breathing repeatedly. OSA signs include:

• Snoring or loud breathing
• Sleep deprivation
• Insomnia
• Daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Irritability

OSA can be caused by nasal obstruction, large tonsils, smoking, drinking and obesity, and if left untreated can lead to serious long-term health issues.

Wearing a custom mouthguard while you sleep, helps to shift the jaw forward and keep the airway open, helping to alleviate mild to moderate symptoms of sleep apneoa. Ask your dentist for a referral to a sleep specialist who can confirm a diagnosis.

Sleep Study and Diagnosis

A sleep specialist conducts a sleep study along with a series of tests to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea.

During these tests the patient’s heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels are monitored while they sleep.

OSA Treatment with EVP Dental

Once you have been diagnosed with OSA, your sleep specialist sends results back to your dentist here at EVP Dental so you can begin treatment.

Treating OSA involves your dentist taking impressions of your teeth and jaws to custom make your oral appliance to be worn to sleep. During your appointment, you’ll also be given instructions on how to care for your new oral appliance.