Bruxism/Teeth Grinding Care in Brunswick

Many people don’t realise they grind their teeth until their dentist points it out at a check-up. If you’ve been told you clench or grind, or you’re waking up with a sore jaw, you’re not alone; it’s something we see across every age group at Brunswick Road Dental, and there are conservative ways to help manage it.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism simply means clenching or grinding your teeth, and it can happen while you’re awake or asleep. Awake bruxism often shows up during stressful moments, while sleep bruxism happens without you knowing, which is why a partner is sometimes the first to notice.

Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth

Jaw soreness or tightness when you wake up
Frequent headaches, especially around the temples
Flattened, chipped or worn tooth edges
Increased tooth sensitivity
A partner mentioning grinding noises at night

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Grinding is often linked to stress, an uneven bite, or disrupted sleep, including sleep apnoea. Caffeine and alcohol can also play a part. In children, it’s usually just a normal part of growing up, and most kids grow out of it as their jaw and adult teeth settle in.

Why It’s Worth Getting Checked

Left alone, ongoing grinding can gradually wear down tooth enamel, crack fillings and leave your jaw feeling strained. Early assessment may help identify tooth wear before it progresses and may reduce ongoing strain on the jaw.

How We Manage Bruxism at Brunswick Road Dental

We start with a check-up to see how your bite and jaw are holding up, then take a digital scan with our Trios 3D intraoral scanner, so there’s no messy impression involved. Your night guard is custom-made in a lab, then we check the fit at a follow-up visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If I’m Grinding My Teeth If It Happens While I’m Asleep?

You often won’t feel it happen, but the clues show up elsewhere: a sore jaw in the morning, a dull headache, or a partner noticing the sound. We can also spot wear patterns at a check-up.

Is Teeth Grinding Serious, or Can I Leave It?

Occasional grinding usually isn’t a worry, but ongoing grinding can wear down teeth, crack fillings and strain your jaw over time. Best to get it checked early.

Will a Night Guard Fix My Bite Completely?

A night guard protects your teeth and eases the pressure of grinding, but it isn’t a cure. If a bite issue is at play, we’ll talk you through other options too.

Do Children Grow Out of Teeth Grinding?

Yes, in most cases. It’s common in kids and tends to settle as their jaw grows and adult teeth come through. We’ll keep an eye on it at their check-ups.

How Much Does a Custom Night Guard Cost, and Is It Covered by My Health Fund?

Cost varies by case. As preferred providers for Medibank, Bupa, nib, HCF and Defence Health, we can check your cover and confirm any out-of-pocket cost beforehand.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Night Guard Made?

Once we’ve taken your scan, your night guard is made in a lab, usually within a couple of weeks. We’ll book your fitting as soon as it’s ready.

Ready to Get Your Grinding Checked?

If grinding has been keeping you, or someone in your family, up at night, book a check-up with Brunswick Road Dental. New patients can take advantage of our $199 or gap-free offer, which includes an exam and X-rays as a starting point. Call (03) 9388 1580 or book online today.

Book Your Check-Up

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