Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Tooth Clenching and Grinding Treatment in Glen Iris – Botox & Night Guards

Tooth clenching and grinding—also known as bruxism—can occur unconsciously, whether you are awake or asleep. It often goes unnoticed but can result in physical pain and significant dental damage over time. Chronic grinding can lead to headaches, earaches, facial pain, and even migraines. The constant wear caused by grinding may also increase tooth sensitivity, chip teeth, flatten biting surfaces, or loosen restorations such as fillings.

Frequent clenching also overworks the jaw’s masseter muscles, causing them to enlarge (hypertrophy), which can make the lower face appear broader or more square.

For nighttime protection, an occlusal splint or night guard can help shield the teeth from further wear. However, for some patients, Botulinum Toxin (Botox) may offer a more effective way to relieve jaw discomfort and tension. Dr. Kaufman provides safe, targeted Botulinum Toxin Type A treatments to ease symptoms related to bruxism, such as jaw soreness, neck stiffness, and chronic headaches.

Beyond pain relief, Botox for bruxism can also soften the jawline for a more balanced facial appearance. The effects typically last three to four months.

If you are experiencing sore jaw muscles, headaches, or worn teeth, don’t wait until the damage worsens. Please make an appointment with Dr. Kaufman in Glen Iris to have your condition assessed and find a treatment that best suits you.

 

Botox for Bruxism: Effective, Safe Relief for Teeth Grinding and Clenching in Glen Iris?

Recent research confirms that Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections offer effective and safe relief for Bruxism—a repetitive jaw-muscle activity involving clenching, grinding, or thrusting of the jaw. Bruxism may occur during sleep (sleep bruxism) or while awake (awake bruxism), possibly resulting in several orofacial problems including tooth wear, sensitive or painful teeth, fractured restorations, loss of tooth support, TMJ disorders, and muscle pain.

Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?

Common triggers include:

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Neurochemical imbalances

  • Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or depression

  • Smoking, alcohol, caffeine

  • Certain medications and illicit drugs

Traditional treatments—such as oral splints, medications, and behavioural approaches—do not always provide a complete cure. Since bruxism often involves high, centrally mediated motor activity in the jaw muscles, reducing this activity is critical. Botox works by blocking nerve-to-muscle messages, decreasing contractions, and relaxing the jaw.

When Is Treatment Necessary?

Many people experience mild tooth wear with age, but excessive or early wear can cause pain, sensitivity, or affect your smile. Early intervention is key—the sooner you address tooth wear due to bruxism, the simpler and less costly it may be. Severe cases may require complex dental repairs.

Recognizing Bruxism — Ask Yourself:

  • Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep or while awake?

  • Has anyone told you that you grind your teeth at night?

  • Do you wake with jaw pain, clenching, or stiffness?

  • Any worn-down, chipped, or cracked teeth?

Common warning signs and symptoms:

  • Shorter, worn teeth

  • Cracked, chipped, or fractured fillings/crowns

  • Morning jaw or neck pain

  • Grinding noise during sleep

  • Tongue or cheek ridging (linea alba)

  • Muscle fatigue on waking

Management and Treatment for Teeth Grinding

  • Wear a custom hard night occlusal splint to protect teeth and crowns (avoid store-bought splints).

  • Repair damaged teeth with fillings or crowns as needed.

  • Consult a TMJ physiotherapist.

  • Try relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.

  • Address psychological triggers with a medical professional if needed.

  • Make regular dental visits for monitoring and protection advice.

  • Warm packs and short-term anti-inflammatory use can help with tender jaw muscles.

Botox for Bruxism:

  • Botox injections can safely reduce jaw muscle activity, lowering grinding intensity during sleep.

  • Combining Botox with a custom splint provides maximal protection for jaws and teeth.

For more guidance or to explore if Botox is right for your bruxism, please schedule an appointment our practice or call 98227006.

The Benefits of Straight Teeth: More Than Just a Beautiful Smile in Glen Iris

A great smile is reason enough to show off straight teeth. But the advantages of proper tooth alignment go far beyond appearance. When your teeth are positioned correctly, you gain a host of health and functional benefits:

  1. Healthier Gums
    Straight teeth are easier to keep clean. Crooked teeth often create hard-to-brush areas that trap food, increasing the risk of plaque, gum disease, and cavities. Aligning your teeth allows your tongue to help with self-cleansing throughout the day and lets toothbrush bristles reach all surfaces more effectively.
  2. Clearer Speech
    Gaps or incorrect bite relationships can interfere with speech, leading to a lisp or other articulation issues (such as with an “open bite”). Bringing teeth into the right position often corrects these problems, making speech clearer and more confident.
  3. Better Jaw and Joint Health
    Correct tooth positioning (known as Class 1 occlusion) allows jaw muscles and joints to function harmoniously. When teeth don’t meet properly, certain muscles and joints can be overloaded—potentially causing jaw pain or joint damage.
  4. Even Tooth Wear
    A poorly aligned bite can cause certain teeth to wear down faster or crack because they’re bearing more chewing force than they should. Straightening teeth helps distribute biting forces evenly across all teeth, reducing the risk of fractures and premature wear.
  5. Teeth for Life
    Balanced, straight teeth facilitate better oral hygiene, prevent excessive wear, and protect jaw joints. This means your teeth are more likely to stay healthy and last a lifetime.

What Is TMJ/TMD? Glen Iris Guide to Jaw Joint Pain and Solutions

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint—the joint that connects your lower jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. You have one TMJ on each side, working together as a pair. These joints allow your jaw to move both as a hinge and to slide open wider—essential for chewing, speaking, swallowing, yawning, and even breathing.

TMJ Pain = TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)

Because your TMJ is involved in so many daily actions, it’s prone to wear and problems. Disorders of this joint are called temporomandibular disorders (TMD), a complex and sometimes chronic condition usually causing pain in and around the jaw. TMD can limit your ability to chew, speak, and even express yourself with facial movements.

Common Causes of TMD

Glen Iris dentists also note that those with TMD commonly report other conditions, such as chronic fatigue, headaches, endometriosis, or fibromyalgia.

Simple TMD Symptom Relief Tips

  • Eat soft foods to reduce jaw strain

  • Apply ice packs to sore areas

  • Avoid extreme jaw movements (wide yawning, loud singing, gum chewing)

  • Practice stress reduction and jaw relaxation techniques

  • Try gentle jaw exercises for stretching and relaxing

If your TMJ pain continues or worsens, it’s important to make an appointment with your Glen Iris dentist at Tooronga Family Dentistry for a thorough assessment and personalized treatment.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Glen Iris Dental Solutions for Night-Time Clenching and Jaw Pain

Do you wake up with jaw pain or a dull headache? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night—a condition known as bruxism. This is a common dental problem in Glen Iris and can lead to enamel and dentin wear, damaged dental work, and even broken teeth. Stress or anxiety is often a major trigger, but so are pain, certain medications, and issues with crooked or missing teeth. When left untreated, the destructive effects can worsen over time.

4 Ways to Reduce Tooth Grinding Damage in Glen Iris

  1. Wear a Mouth Guard at Night
    Use a custom occlusal splint to protect your teeth while you sleep. This device absorbs forces and prevents further damage.

  2. Reduce Stress
    Since stress is a prime cause of bruxism, find relaxation activities that work for you: exercise, meditation, warm baths, or reading before bedtime.

  3. Relax Jaw Muscles
    Release tension throughout your day. Give your jaw gentle massages and avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or biting your nails.

  4. Be Mindful of Jaw Position
    During the day, check your jaw often. If you notice your muscles are tensed up or clenched, consciously relax them right away.

If you’re in Glen Iris and suspect you grind your teeth, contact our dental team for advice to find solutions tailored to you.