TMD and Bruxism Treatment in Mitcham, VIC

Bruxism refers to the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, typically occurring during sleep but sometimes during the day as well. While it’s a common condition, it often goes unnoticed by the person who is affected because it typically happens during sleep. Bruxism can be a result of stress, anxiety or even misalignment of the teeth and jaw.

Common Symptoms of Bruxism

Bruxism can lead to a variety of dental and physical symptoms, which may include:

• Worn Teeth — Persistent grinding can cause teeth to become flattened or chipped.
• Jaw Pain or Tightness — Similar to TMD, the muscles around the jaw can become sore from frequent clenching and grinding.
• Headaches — People with bruxism often experience morning headaches due to muscle strain in the jaw and head.
• Tooth Sensitivity — Grinding can wear down enamel, leading to increased sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods.
• Earaches — Bruxism can cause pain that radiates into the ear.

How to Find Out If You Have TMD or Bruxism

If you suspect you have TMD or bruxism, the first step is to arrange a consultation with your dentist in Mitcham, VIC. We'll perform a thorough dental exam to check any issues with your bite, jaw alignment or wear patterns on your teeth. Dr Kang may ask about your symptoms, such as pain, difficulty chewing or if you have frequent headaches.

For bruxism, Dr Kang will look for signs of worn-down teeth or damage to dental restorations like fillings or crowns. If there are signs of bruxism, we may recommend wearing a custom nightguard during sleep to protect your teeth from further damage.

The treatment of TMD and bruxism involves addressing not just the symptoms but the root causes of these conditions. Our holistic approach focuses on restoring balance to the body’s natural systems and promoting healing through non-invasive methods whenever possible.

We have an osteopath and physical therapist on staff who specialise in TMD. Our team uses occlusal splints to alleviate symptoms, monitors progress and guides patients through exercises designed to relax and strengthen the jaw muscles. 

For mild cases, we recommend the following lifestyle adjustments:

• Stress management techniques, like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and yoga
• Physical therapy and jaw exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve range of motion
• Custom nightguards to protect your teeth and jaws 

For moderate to more severe cases, your Mitcham dentist may recommend:

• Anti-inflammatory treatments or muscle relaxants to ease muscle spasms and relieve pain
• Oral splints to correct bite problems and support proper jaw alignment
• Oral surgery as a last resort in extreme cases if other treatments do not remedy the issue

Managing bruxism often includes using a custom-made nightguard, which protects teeth from grinding and clenching while you sleep.

TMJ Treatment in Mitcham for a Pain-Free Smile

Mitcham Central Dental is committed to guiding you through a comprehensive, whole-body approach to managing TMD and bruxism, helping you restore balance and achieve lasting relief.

If you’re experiencing these issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling (03) 8820 0218. We’re here to help diagnose and manage these conditions so your jaw and teeth remain healthy and comfortable.