Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. It is a condition that causes a person to clench or grind together their teeth and can affect a person either when awake or asleep. This occurs when there is overactive muscle activity in the jaw, beyond what is necessary for normal chewing.

There are many possible causes of the condition, and for some, it may require professional treatment. While a variety of treatments are available, a common treatment (known as bruxism treatment) involves targeting the muscles responsible for tooth grinding. Bruxism treatment aims to target the issue at the muscular level, helping to reduce the activity and pressure on the teeth.

To learn more about bruxism treatment and whether you may be a candidate, speak to Dr Omarjee at The DOC Clinic in a consultation.

Bruxism page, consultation with Dr Ed 1, The DOC Clinic Melbourne

Symptoms of bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is characterised by a habitual or sleep-related tendency to rub together the teeth and clench the jaw. The grinding may occur from side to side or front to back. There are two general types: Diurnal (or awake) bruxism – where teeth grinding happens during waking hours; and nocturnal (or asleep) bruxism – where teeth grinding happens while sleeping. Whether you experience awake or asleep bruxism, the symptoms may include:

Jaw pain
Earaches
Headaches
Wearing down of the teeth
Enlarged jaw muscles
Tooth pain or damage
Face or neck soreness
Sleep problems

For those with sleep bruxism, it’s possible to be unaware of the condition until it leads to the above symptoms. Sometimes, others may hear the tooth grinding while the person is asleep. If you experience these symptoms and think you may suffer from tooth grinding (bruxism), the first step is consulting with a medical practitioner. This way, your symptoms can be assessed, along with assessing whether you have any underlying issues, such as sleep apnea or other neurological conditions.

Causes

Diurnal (daytime) bruxism is usually not linked to any underlying condition. It could simply be an overactivity of the facial muscles or a problem with the alignment of the jaw. However, since it originates in the central nervous system, bruxism when asleep (nocturnal bruxism) could be indicative of an underlying sleep disorder or neurological issue. By assessing your condition, a physician can work to identify the possible causes of your bruxism and whether there may be an underlying neurological condition.

Sometimes there is no underlying condition, in which case bruxism can develop due to other genetic, medical, or lifestyle factors, such as:

Alcohol consumption
Smoking
Certain prescription drugs
Caffeine intake
Family history of the condition
Conditions such as epilepsy and sleep apnea
Jaw misalignment
Stress or anxiety
Focused concentration

Dr Omarjee at The DOC Clinic can assess your condition and help determine the possible causes and suitable treatment options.

Male patient during the face treatment at The DOC Clinic Melbourne, Bruxism page 2

Consultation with Dr Omarjee

Bruxism in childhood may go away on its own over time. However, if it persists into adulthood and depending on the severity, you may need to seek treatment for the condition. During your consultation with Dr Omarjee, he will assess your condition and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. This appointment allows you to express your concerns about tooth grinding, such as any muscle soreness, headaches, or tooth damage you may have experienced. It is also important to ask questions and gain a good understanding of your potential treatment options, the risks, and what you can expect from bruxism treatment.

Dr Omarjee is experienced in treating a range of cosmetic and medical-related concerns. He will aim to tailor a treatment plan according to your specific facial structure, muscle movement, and desired results. Book your consultation for a personalised discussion about tooth grinding at The DOC Clinic.

Bruxism treatment

Bruxism treatment is a common, non-surgical procedure that targets the underlying facial structures to reduce tooth grinding. The procedure uses the same methods as treatment for wrinkles and hyperhidrosis, except that it targets the issue of tooth grinding specifically. In other words, the treatment method is very common and widely trusted for treating a range of cosmetic and medical issues, one of which is bruxism.

Prior to the procedure, Dr Omarjee will discuss with you the exact target areas and treatment approach. Afterwards, it can take a few days to fully take effect, and following this, many patients see a reduction in their tooth grinding. These patients may feel relief from their symptoms, potentially including less interrupted sleep and less wearing down of the teeth. In addition to treating the symptoms, treatment can also have cosmetic effects on the face, such as addressing asymmetry or a large jaw appearance as a result of overactive facial muscles.

Treatment results can vary, and patients may need to have follow-up treatments in the future. Generally, the results may last for around six months; however, as the face adjusts and the condition improves over time, patients may find that they require treatments less and less.

Facial beatuy treatment The DOC Clinic Melbourne, a female patient with The DOC staff during the treatment 3

Considerations

Although bruxism treatment is widely trusted, it comes along with some risks that you will need to discuss during your consultation.

Patients should also understand that results are not exactly the same from patient to patient and can depend on a number of factors. You should discuss your goals with Dr Omargee in order to develop realistic ideas about what bruxism treatment can achieve in your specific case. Additionally, you should understand the possible side effects, such as pain and swelling, bruising, and facial asymmetry.

Bruxism treatment at The DOC Clinic

Seeking diagnosis and treatment of bruxism can be beneficial for many people. Some patients have more severe symptoms than others – for some, only slight discomfort, while others may have persistent pain and tooth damage. If you experience noticeable problems from jaw clenching and tooth grinding, you are welcome to discuss your symptoms with us at The DOC Clinic. By understanding your condition, needs, and desired outcomes, Dr Omarjee can develop a treatment plan that targets your concerns.

Book your appointment to learn more about bruxism and bruxism treatment from a qualified and experienced physician.

Schedule a Consultation

To request a consultation or further information, complete the attached form and we will respond to you as soon as possible. You are welcome to upload images to assist with explaining your concern(s).

Appointments can be booked via our online booking portal.

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