Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, most often during sleep. It’s also known as sleep-related or nocturnal bruxism, though some people grind their teeth during the day too, particularly during stressful or anxious moments. Left untreated, bruxism can wear down your teeth, damage restorations, and place ongoing strain on your jaw joints.
At The Townsville Dental Centre, our dentists diagnose the underlying cause of your teeth grinding and build a treatment plan around your symptoms, your bite, and your budget.
Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
You may not notice yourself grinding your teeth, especially if it happens while you sleep. During a dental check-up, we look for:
Jaw soreness, clicking, or signs of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder
Morning headaches or unexplained facial pain
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism usually has more than one cause. Common contributors include:
Stress and anxiety
A misaligned bite or crooked teeth
Sleep disorders, including sleep apnoea
Certain medications: some antidepressants (such as sertraline, paroxetine, and fluoxetine) can cause bruxism as a side effect
In rarer cases, neuromuscular conditions or previous brain injury
If dental treatment has left your bite feeling uneven, this can also contribute to grinding; one more reason it’s worth having any restorative work checked by your dentist.
Bruxism in Children
Teeth grinding is common in children, particularly as baby teeth come through or during growth spurts, and it often resolves on its own. However, ongoing grinding can wear down developing teeth, so it’s worth mentioning to your family dentist at your child’s next check-up.
Treatment Options for Bruxism
Treatment depends on what’s driving your bruxism and how much damage has already occurred.
Custom Night Guards and Splints
A custom-fitted night guard is the most common first step. Worn while you sleep, it creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing further wear and easing pressure on your jaw joints. Unlike over-the-counter guards, a dentist-fitted splint is moulded to your bite for comfort and durability.
Repairing Grinding Damage
Where grinding has already chipped or worn down teeth, we can restore them with tooth-coloured, minimally invasive fillings for front teeth. For back teeth carrying heavier bite forces, porcelain or gold inlays and crowns rebuild strength and correct alignment issues contributing to the grinding.
Addressing the Underlying Bite
If a misaligned bite is driving the problem, we’ll discuss options to correct it as part of your longer-term plan, in coordination with our restorative and neuromuscular dentistry team.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your dentist will examine your teeth and jaw for signs of wear, discuss your symptoms and any medications you’re taking, and may take photos or impressions if a custom night guard is recommended. Most night guards are ready to collect within one to two weeks. Treatment costs vary depending on the extent of damage and whether any restorative work is needed. We’ll walk you through a clear quote before any treatment begins, and health fund rebates may apply.
Book a Bruxism Consultation in Townsville
If you’re waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or noticing wear on your teeth, don’t wait for it to get worse. Book an appointment with our Townsville dentists at Kokoda Street or Fairfield Central and we’ll get to the bottom of it.
Bruxism itself often can’t be “cured” outright, but it can be effectively managed. A night guard protects your teeth from further damage, while addressing the underlying cause (stress, sleep, or bite issues) can reduce how often you grind.
How much does a night guard cost?
Cost depends on the type of guard and whether any additional dental work is needed. Book a consultation and we’ll provide a clear, itemised quote, and many health funds also offer a rebate.
Does bruxism go away on its own?
It can, particularly in children, or if it’s linked to a temporary stressor. In adults with ongoing grinding, it’s best to have it assessed, since untreated bruxism can lead to more costly dental repairs over time.
Is teeth grinding linked to TMJ problems?
Yes. Ongoing clenching and grinding places extra strain on the jaw joint and can contribute to or worsen temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which may cause jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty opening your mouth fully.
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