Bruxism Treatment: Protect Your Teeth & Jaw
Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding or jaw clenching, affects both adults and children. It can happen while awake or during sleep and is closely linked to stress, anxiety, and poor posture.
About 5% to 8% of people experience bruxism, with prevalence growing with age. It can lead to worn-down teeth, jaw and facial pain, tension headaches, and disrupted sleep – all of which can impact daily function, comfort, and long-term oral health. If left unmanaged, bruxism can also contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and other chronic pain conditions. At Bangalow Headache Neck & Jaw Clinic, we offer effective bruxism treatment that tackles the root cause.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth. It affects both adults and children and can happen during the day (awake bruxism) or at night (sleep bruxism). Many people grind or clench without realising, especially while sleeping. Studies show that 85% to 90% of people grind and clench their teeth, with 5% developing severe bruxism. It often peaks in early adulthood and can be influenced by stress, lifestyle habits, and even your bite alignment.
Bruxism is closely linked to the development or worsening of TMJ disorders, and may contribute to chronic headaches, facial tension, and even neck pain, requiring expert intervention from a physiotherapist who offers specialised treatments for jaw pain.
We understand how frustrating and debilitating bruxism can be, but we can help
Bruxism Symptoms
People with bruxism might notice:
- Jaw pain, fatigue or stiffness
- Headaches, often in the temples and upon waking
- Worn, flattened, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Tooth pain and sensitivity
- Facial pain and tightness in the cheeks and jaw
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Earaches or a sense of pressure near the ears
- Disturbed sleep or waking up tired
Left untreated, these symptoms can lead to more serious issues like TMJ dysfunction and chronic pain, affecting your ability to eat, speak, concentrate or sleep well.
Safe & Fast
All techniques involve targeted, slow and sustained pressure. There is NO manipulation (cracking) of the spine.
Effective
80% of people assessed have treatable and relevant dysfunction. Most of these will see significant changes in the first two weeks.
100% Natural
No drugs, needles, toxic chemicals or side-effects. Just correcting a previously misunderstood fault in biomechanics.
Bruxism Causes
Bruxism can be caused by several overlapping factors, often the result of several contributing issues rather than just one.
Stress and anxiety are leading causes of bruxism. When the body is in a heightened state of tension, clenching or grinding the jaw can become a subconscious outlet. Structural issues, such as misaligned teeth and jaw trauma, may also contribute. These physical factors can cause the jaw to compensate with excessive force or movement.
Poor posture is another cause, straining the neck and jaw muscles, leading to tension that radiates to the jaw. Neurological and sleep disorders, including sleep apnoea, ADHD, and certain medications (such as SSRIs or antidepressants), are also linked to bruxism.
What Triggers Bruxism?
Certain factors can make bruxism worse or bring on flare-ups:
- High-stress situations (work pressure, emotional distress)
- Sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality
- Alcohol or caffeine overuse
- Tobacco use (stimulants can disrupt sleep patterns and increase muscle activity)
- Habitual chewing (such as gum or pen chewing)
- Incorrect posture while sitting or using screens
Recognising and reducing exposure to these triggers is an important step in managing bruxism long-term.
Bruxism Diagnosis
Bruxism is often diagnosed through a combination of symptom history and physical examination. We assess jaw mobility, the TMJ function, muscle tenderness, and signs of dental wear.
Our bruxism clinic also evaluates your posture, neck alignment, and breathing patterns, ensuring nothing is missed. We can work closely with your dentist, prosthodontist or orthodontist to provide a comprehensive approach.
Other Bruxism Treatments Available
Effective bruxism treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and individual habits. If physiotherapy isn’t the answer for you, other options may include:
Custom Mouthguards & Splints
Designed to fit your teeth precisely and worn overnight to cushion the bite, these devices minimise damage and reduce strain on the jaw joint.
Behavioural & Stress Management Therapies
Mindfulness, breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can help dial down the nervous system. In some cases, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be recommended to help address unconscious clenching habits and better manage daily stress.
Dental Corrections
Restorative work, such as reshaping teeth, bite adjustments, orthodontics, or replacing worn or broken teeth, for a more balanced bite and less mechanical strain.
Muscle Relaxant Injections
To partially relax the overactive jaw muscles involved in clenching and grinding, muscle relaxant injections such as Botox may be considered.
Why Seek Professional Help at Our Bruxism Clinic
When left untreated, bruxism can affect your teeth, sleep, and quality of life, contributing to chronic facial pain, migraines, poor sleep, and long-term joint problems. Early intervention can prevent further damage and discomfort.
We assess the root causes of your symptoms and guide you through your treatment options for bruxism with clarity and care.
Treatment for Bruxism: Our Focused Approach
Offering specialised treatments for bruxism, our treatment is guided by deep expertise in managing jaw, neck, and headache conditions. We look at how bruxism affects your muscles, joints, posture, and nervous system and through targeted, slow and sustained pressure, we help reduce muscle overactivity, restore normal joint movement, and relieve pain.
Treatment may include:
- Physiotherapy to release tight jaw, neck, and facial muscles
- Postural correction to reduce tension patterns contributing to grinding
- Targeted exercises to retrain jaw movement and reduce clenching habits
- Breathing and relaxation techniques to support nervous system regulation
Whether your bruxism is stress-related, posture-driven, or linked to jaw dysfunction, we can help develop an individualised treatment plan for bruxism. We also specialise in TMJ disorders and offer treatment for jaw clicking, addressing all possibilities.
We also treat...
Our experts treat a number of headache and jaw pain issues, and have a high level of knowledge and experience with any pain you may be suffering from.
Call us today to see
how we can help you
Bruxism Treatment FAQs
Yes, especially with night-time teeth grinding. It can cause disrupted rest, jaw tension, morning headaches, and even waking during the night. Over time, these symptoms may impact mood, energy, and concentration. Consulting with a physiotherapist who offers specialised treatments for bruxism early on can help ensure better sleep patterns and reduced physical strain on your jaw.
Untreated, bruxism can lead to worn, chipped or cracked teeth, gum recession, and damage to supporting bone structure. You may also experience headaches, jaw pain and dysfunction, earaches and stiff muscles. Chronic clenching may also impact your posture and lead to neck or shoulder pain.
Even if symptoms seem mild, bruxism often worsens without care, so if you’re waking up with jaw pain, dealing with headaches, notice worn teeth, or hearing clicking in your jaw, it’s best to get in touch with a professional. A thorough assessment can help identify the root causes and guide you toward safe, effective bruxism treatment tailored to your needs.
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