Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

A large over bite can cause long term damage to the teeth and gums in Glen Iris

Large Overbite and Tooth Wear: Causes, Effects, and Treatment

When the teeth are not properly aligned, certain teeth take on more pressure during biting and chewing. A large overbite causes the upper front teeth to bear excessive load, leading to a range of oral health issues over time.

Common Problems Caused by a Large Overbite

  • Tooth wear and chipping: The front teeth constantly clash with opposing teeth while eating or speaking. This results in uneven wear along the biting edges and chipping of the enamel.

  • Enamel erosion and sensitivity: As the enamel wears away, the teeth become more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods. Worn enamel also increases the risk of decay and discolouration.

  • Gum recession and root exposure: In some cases, the lower teeth strike the gum line behind the upper front teeth, irritating or damaging the gums and exposing tooth roots.

  • Developmental and alignment problems: In children and young adults, a deep overbite can interfere with jaw growth and the eruption of new teeth, potentially leading to misalignment or bite problems.

  • Muscle and jaw strain: Uneven contact while chewing can put excessive pressure on the jaw joints, causing discomfort and muscle fatigue.

  • Reduced confidence: A noticeable overbite or uneven smile may impact a person’s self-esteem and confidence when smiling.

Importance of Correcting a Large Overbite

Correcting a large overbite is essential to prevent further tooth damage, gum irritation, and jaw strain. Treatment also helps improve chewing, speaking, and overall facial aesthetics.

Treatment options include:

  • Orthodontic treatment to straighten and reposition teeth for proper alignment

  • Crowns or bridges to restore worn or damaged teeth and balance the bite

An examination will determine the exact cause and best treatment for your overbite. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent long-term complications.

To learn more about correcting a large overbite, ask Dr. Kaufman a question or schedule an appointment for a personalised consultation.

Baby tooth grinding

Teeth Grinding in Children (Bruxism): Causes and When to Seek Help

It’s quite common for babies and toddlers to grind their teeth at night. Most children naturally stop the habit by the age of 6 or 7, once their first permanent molars erupt. Some children, however, continue grinding through their teenage years.

Tooth grinding in young children is usually not a major concern. It often occurs during teething or as part of normal jaw growth and alignment. Still, it’s important to watch for signs of excessive tooth wear, jaw discomfort, or pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult Dr. Kaufman for a professional examination.

When Tooth Grinding Becomes a Problem

In older children, tooth grinding can cause more serious oral health issues if left untreated. Continuous grinding and clenching at night may:

  • Interfere with normal growth and alignment of permanent teeth

  • Wear down or chip the tooth surface

  • Cause increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks

  • Lead to bite changes and jaw discomfort

  • Contribute to TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder)

  • Trigger earaches or headaches related to jaw tension

Monitoring and Treatment Options

Dr. Kaufman carefully monitors children’s tooth development from their first dental visit using an intraoral camera to identify any signs of unusual wear. Early detection allows intervention before long-term damage occurs.

If severe wear or grinding is observed, a custom-made mouthguard may be recommended for nighttime use. A well-fitted mouthguard protects the teeth from further wear, lessens jaw strain, and helps your child maintain a healthy, comfortable bite.

Book an Appointment

If your child grinds their teeth regularly or complains of jaw or tooth pain, please click here to book an appointment with Dr. Kaufman in Glen Iris. A detailed evaluation will help determine whether treatment or observation is the best approach for your child’s oral health and comfort.

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.

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.