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01 / Understanding bruxism

Clenching and grinding can happen without you noticing.

Bruxism means clenching or grinding your teeth. It can happen while you are awake or during sleep.

Some people notice jaw tension or soreness; others first hear about tooth wear from their dentist or grinding sounds from a partner.

Jaw pain has several possible causes. An assessment considers your teeth, chewing muscles, jaw joints and symptom history rather than assuming grinding is the explanation.

A useful starting point
What have you noticed?
  • A tight or aching jaw on waking
  • Daytime clenching or muscle tenderness
  • Tooth wear or damage noticed by your dentist
  • Discomfort when chewing or opening your mouth

These symptoms can have other causes. Discuss them with a dentist or medical practitioner.

Arrange a consultation ↗
02 / Understanding jaw pain

Your muscles and joints both matter.

The masseter is one of the main muscles used for chewing. The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect the lower jaw to the skull.
01
Muscle discomfort
Clenching and grinding may contribute to tired, tender chewing muscles. Your assessment looks at when pain occurs and how the muscles feel and function.
02
Joint symptoms
Pain around the jaw joint, restricted opening or locking may need a different assessment. Clicking without pain is common and does not always need treatment.
03
Contributing factors
Your clinician may ask about sleep, stress, medicines and previous dental problems. These details help guide the assessment and any referral.
When to seek prompt care

If your jaw locks, you cannot open or close your mouth normally, or pain is severe or worsening, seek prompt dental or medical assessment.

Do not force a locked or painful jaw to move.

03 / Management options

Start with the approach that fits the cause.

Dental care, physiotherapy and medical assessment have different roles. Your plan may involve more than one practitioner.
01
Dental assessment and splints
A dentist can assess tooth wear, damage and dental causes of pain. A fitted splint or night guard may be recommended to help protect the teeth.
A splint does not necessarily stop grinding. Ask your dentist about fit, monitoring and the benefit expected for you.
02
Physiotherapy and habit awareness
Guided jaw exercises, awareness of daytime clenching and strategies for sleep and stress may form part of management.
Exercises should be appropriate to your symptoms and guided by a qualified practitioner.
03
Medical assessment
Dr Khan considers your symptom history and examines the jaw muscles and joints. Some medical options are prescription-only and are discussed individually during consultation.
Your discussion includes suitability, limitations, risks, recovery, follow-up and cost.
04
Referral when needed
If joint problems, a dental cause or a possible sleep disorder need further assessment, Dr Khan can advise on the appropriate referral.
This page focuses on assessment of clenching, grinding and associated jaw discomfort. It does not promise a cure for joint disorders.
04 / Your consultation

Understand your symptoms before deciding on treatment.

You do not need to select a procedure before booking. Your first appointment starts with an assessment.
Step 01
Discuss your history
Explain when pain occurs, whether you clench or grind, what you have tried and whether you already use a dental splint.
Step 02
Assess your jaw
Dr Khan examines your chewing muscles and jaw movement, then considers whether dental review or other investigation is needed.
Step 03
Plan the next step
Discuss relevant options, expected benefits, risks and costs. The next step may be a management plan, review or referral.
Useful to bring
  • Your dental splint, if you use one
  • Details of previous dental or physiotherapy care
  • A list of your medicines and relevant medical history
  • A note of when pain, grinding or clenching tends to occur
05 / Informed decisions

Risks and recovery depend on your plan.

Each management option has its own limitations and possible side effects.

A dental splint needs appropriate fitting and review. Exercises and manual therapy should be guided by a qualified practitioner and adjusted if they aggravate symptoms.

If a medical treatment is considered, Dr Khan will explain its specific risks, aftercare and follow-up before you decide. Results vary, and ongoing review may be needed.

Questions to ask
  • What is the likely source of my pain?
  • How will this approach help?
  • What are its limitations and risks?
  • What should I do if symptoms worsen?
  • When should my progress be reviewed?
You can take time to consider the advice. There is no obligation to proceed with treatment at the consultation.
06 / When to refer

A different cause may need a different practitioner.

Not all pain around the jaw comes from clenching muscles.

Dental pain, joint problems or symptoms suggesting a sleep disorder may require further assessment. Dr Khan will explain when a dentist, physiotherapist or other clinician may be the appropriate next step.

Bring any existing diagnosis or referral information to help guide the conversation.

For your assessment
Tell us about the whole picture.

Mention clicking or locking, a previous jaw injury, changes in your bite, sleep concerns and any treatment that has not helped.

Arrange an assessment ↗
07 / Your practitioner

Care with Dr Mutti Khan

Dr Khan is a Cosmetic Physician/Phlebologist who is committed to the advancement of Aesthetic Medicine. He is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Aesthetic Medicine and has loved the art of Cosmetic Medicine since his medical training began in 1998. He is a Key opinion leader in the aesthetic industry and has sat on the Board of Directors of the Australasian College of Aesthetic Medicine (ACAM) as Vice President since 2020.

Dr Mutti Khan, Cosmetic Physician, at Shire Aesthetics and Vein Clinic.

FAQs

Both can have a role. A dentist assesses tooth wear and dental causes of pain. A doctor can review your medical history, symptoms and whether further investigation or referral is needed.
Yes. Grinding can occur during sleep, and a partner or dentist may notice it first. Daytime clenching can also happen without you being aware of it.
No. Bruxism is clenching or grinding. TMJ refers to the jaw joint, while temporomandibular disorders involve the jaw joints or related muscles. Symptoms may overlap, so assessment matters.

A fitted splint can help protect the teeth, but it does not necessarily stop grinding. Your dentist can explain what to expect and check that it fits appropriately.

Bring the splint and details of your dental care. Persistent discomfort may need a review of the muscles, joints and other possible causes before deciding on the next step.
No. The consultation is an assessment. You can consider the advice before deciding whether to proceed, and a referral may be the most appropriate next step.
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