How Do I Know if I Have Bruxism?
4 Telltale Signs You’re Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth (And May Not Even Know It)
Teeth clenching and grinding — also known as bruxism — is a common but often overlooked condition. Many people aren’t even aware they’re doing it until it starts to cause them noticeable symptoms. Whether it happens during the day or while you’re asleep, chronic clenching can lead to very serious dental and muscular issues. Here are four signs we recommend that you watch out for:
- Headaches (Especially in the Morning or Late Afternoon)
Frequent tension-type headaches, especially around the temples or forehead, may be a direct result of clenching your jaw. The constant contraction of the temporalis and masseter muscles puts stress on your head and neck, leading to dull, lingering headaches that are often misdiagnosed as migraines.
- Eye Soreness or Twitching
This one surprises many people! Jaw tension can radiate into nearby facial muscles, including those around the eyes. If you’re experiencing eye twitching, fatigue, or even soreness behind the eyes — particularly after a stressful day — your jaw muscles may be the hidden culprit.
- Worn, Flattened, or Chipped Teeth
Wearing on your teeth that seems disproportionate to your age may be a sign you’re grinding at night. Enamel loss, sensitivity, or small chips (in the absence of trauma) are red flags. Over time, this can also lead to cracks or damage to restorations like crowns or fillings.
- Jaw Soreness or Tightness on Waking
If your jaw feels tired, stiff, or sore in the morning — or you struggle to open wide when you wake up — you’re likely clenching in your sleep. Some people also notice clicking or popping in their jaw joints, which may indicate added strain on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ).
What You Can Do
If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth signing up for our Bruxism Open Day. Treatments like custom-made night splints can protect your teeth, and in some cases, muscle-relaxing treatments like Botox may be recommended to reduce clenching intensity. Identifying and addressing bruxism early can save your teeth, reduce pain, and improve your overall well-being.
Splint vs Botox
There are two primary methods of bruxism treatment: night splints and masseter botox. Let’s break down the differences:
- Night Splint (Occlusal Splint)
Purpose:
Mechanical protection of teeth from wear
Reduction in load on TMJs and muscles
Minimises the risk of muscle hyperactivity due to proprioceptive feedback
When to use:
Primary concern is tooth wear or TMJ loading
Clenching/grinding is nocturnal and habitual
Patient prefers non-invasive, reversible treatments
Experiencing early-stage myofascial pain with no deep muscle hypertrophyWhy:
Cost-effective and low risk
Protects restorations
Customizable and titratable
Helps in diagnosis (e.g., assessing muscle tension or wear over time)
- Botox (Botulinum Toxin in Masseters/Temporalis)
Purpose:
Reduces muscle activity by blocking acetylcholine release
Decreases hypertrophy, tension, and pain in overactive muscles
When to use:
Hypertrophic masseters causing facial pain or aesthetic concern
Splint non-compliant or ineffective
Severe myofascial pain unresponsive to conservative treatment
Clenching persists during the day or is stress-related
Why:
Can provide relief when splints fail
Improves the quality of life in chronic pain cases
Fast onset (typically 1–2 weeks)
Minimal maintenance required (2–3 injections per year)
- Both Together?
Indicated when:
There is moderate to severe bruxism with both wear and muscle symptoms
The patient only gets partial relief with one modality
Botox reduces the intensity of force; the splint provides protection
As part of long-term management with layered approaches
Contraindications and Considerations:
Splints can exacerbate TMJ issues if not well-fitted or if repositioning is inappropriate
Botox should be used cautiously in patients with weak mastication or speech issues
Cost and patient expectations matter: Botox is more expensive and needs repeat dosing
Meet the Melbourne Dental Studio Team
Dr Frank Nikakhtar – Principal Dentist
Frank is the principal dentist and founder of Melbourne Dental Studio. Over the years, Frank has developed a loyal patient base due to his attention to detail and good sense of humour. Frank enjoys all elements of general dentistry but has a particular passion for smile makeovers and Invisalign.
Dr Tina Son – Associate Dentist
After finishing her Dental degree at the University of Adelaide in 2009, Dr Tina worked at two private practices in South Australia and completed her Invisalign course before moving to Singapore for four years. While Dr Tina is trained in oral surgery and implants, her main passion is the day-to-day practice of general dentistry, particularly with anxious patients.
Dr Nikka – Associate Dentist
Dr Nikka moved from Bussleton last year to be closer to her family. She graduated from Sydney University with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2018. She has been practising in Western Australia, where she developed a keen interest in all aspects of general dentistry, including oral surgery, paediatrics and endodontics.
Dr Lucy Zia – Associate Dentist
From a young age, Dr Lucy enjoyed going to the dentist and learned the importance of oral health from her childhood dentist. After moving to Melbourne, she completed her Bachelor of Science and then Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Melbourne. Lucy has been working at Melbourne Dental Studio in many different capacities since we opened.
Transform Your Smile & Relieve Pain with Bruxism Treatment
