Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

What does tooth grinding tell about my sleep?

Most of us grind their teeth, but not all of us do it at the same times or for the same reasons.

Some of us, clench and grid their teeth at night during sleep, while others do it during the day. Tooth clenching and grinding during the day is usually related to stress or exercise. For those reasons it is important to check our jaw tension while driving our car, concentrating in our work or lifting weights. The best remedy for daytime clenching is to be aware of it and release the jaw. Stretching the jaw muscles will help release the tension and will reduce the damages. Another solution is to wear a mouthguard that will separate the teeth and absorb part of the pressure.

Night time bruxism or tooth clenching happens for different reasons. It is usually triggered by a difficulty to breathe or by certain medications. It is important to find the reason to the night grinding, since it can be related to sleep apnoea, reduced quality of sleeping and snoring. Many times clenching and grinding that happens during sleeping hours goes unnoticed. Since we are asleep and even if we have a partner, they will be asleep at that time too.  Please click to see Dr. Kaufman in Glen Iris, so he can examine the condition of your teeth and explain what are your options to protect your teeth and prevent the damages of tooth grinding.

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.

Summer Teeth Safety for Kids: Glen Iris Dental Tips from Tooronga Family Dentistry

Summer in Glen Iris means outdoor play, swimming, and adventure for kids—so it’s important not to let dental safety take a holiday! Tooronga Family Dentistry shares these simple strategies to protect young smiles from dawn to dusk:

Top Tips for Summer Dental Protection

  • Use Helmets and Mouthguards for Sport & Play
    Kids should always wear a helmet and a mouthguard when taking part in contact sports or riding scooters. These protective measures dramatically reduce the risk of dental injuries.

  • Watch for Swimmer’s Stains
    Kids who swim often can get yellow-brown or dark stains caused by pool chemicals. These marks are harmless, but they’re best removed professionally—book a clean with Tooronga Family Dentistry for sparkling teeth.

  • Beware Diving Dental Risks
    Tooth sensitivity or pain when diving can be a sign of a cavity trapping air at low pressure. Biting too hard on a scuba regulator may also cause jaw pain or gum issues. For peace of mind, get your child’s teeth checked before diving holidays or regular swims.

  • Caution Around the Pool
    Slipping on wet surfaces, rough play, or running at the pool can easily lead to broken teeth. Remind children to be calm, respect others, and steer clear of running in slippery areas.

From everyone at Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, have a fun, safe, and healthy summer—full of big smiles!