Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) in Townsville

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the involuntary or habitual grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. It most commonly occurs during sleep (sleep bruxism) but can also happen during waking hours (awake bruxism), often in response to stress or concentration. According to the Australian Dental Association, approximately 8 to 10 per cent of Australian adults grind their teeth regularly, though many are unaware of the habit because it occurs during sleep. A systematic review published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found that sleep bruxism affects up to 13 per cent of the adult population, with prevalence decreasing with age.

Bruxism generates forces of up to 250 pounds per square inch — far exceeding normal chewing forces — which can cause serious damage to teeth, restorations, and the temporomandibular joint over time.

Quick Answer: Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, most commonly occurring during sleep. It affects approximately 8 to 10 per cent of Australian adults according to the Australian Dental Association and can generate biting forces of up to 250 pounds per square inch, causing worn teeth, cracked restorations, jaw pain, morning headaches, and temporomandibular joint disorders over time. At Townsville Dental Clinic, the primary treatment is a custom-made occlusal splint, also known as a night guard, fabricated from precise impressions of your teeth and worn during sleep to protect teeth and reduce muscle tension. Custom splints cost $500 to $800 and are significantly more protective than over-the-counter alternatives. Contributing factors including stress, sleep apnoea, and bite misalignment are also assessed. Early treatment prevents irreversible tooth damage and chronic jaw pain.

Signs and Symptoms

• Worn, flattened, or shortened teeth — the most common visible sign
• Cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth or dental restorations
• Tooth sensitivity — especially to cold and sweet stimuli
• Jaw pain or stiffness, particularly upon waking
• Morning headaches, often centred at the temples
• Ear pain without infection
• Tight or fatigued jaw muscles
• Grinding sounds noticed by a sleep partner
• Indentations on the tongue or inner cheeks from clenching

Causes and Risk Factors

Treatment at Townsville Dental Clinic

Custom Occlusal Splint (Night Guard)

The first-line treatment for sleep bruxism. We fabricate a custom-fitted hard acrylic splint from precise impressions of your teeth. The splint:

• Creates a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth
• Distributes clenching forces evenly
• Reduces muscle tension and jaw pain
• Prevents further tooth wear and damage

Tooth Repair

If bruxism has caused damage, we restore worn or cracked teeth with composite bonding, porcelain crowns, or veneers as appropriate.

Bite Assessment and Adjustment

We evaluate your bite for uneven contact points and make selective adjustments to distribute forces more evenly.

Referral for Contributing Factors

• Sleep study referral if sleep apnoea is suspected
• Physiotherapy for jaw muscle rehabilitation
• GP referral for stress management, medication review, or Botox for severe jaw clenching

When to See a Dentist About Teeth Grinding

See your dentist if you or your partner notice grinding sounds, if you wake with jaw pain or headaches, or if you notice your teeth becoming shorter, worn, or more sensitive. Early diagnosis prevents costly damage and provides rapid relief from associated pain. Regular six-monthly check-ups allow us to detect bruxism-related wear before symptoms become severe.

Related Services

• Custom Mouthguards
• TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment
• Sleep Apnoea Treatment

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