Discuss symptoms that persist or affect daily life
Clenching and grinding
Bruxism means clenching or grinding outside normal chewing. It may happen while awake or asleep. Signs can include morning jaw soreness, tooth sensitivity, worn or chipped teeth and damaged fillings.
Jaw-joint and muscle concerns
The temporomandibular joints connect your jaw to your skull. Pain near the ears, difficulty chewing, restricted opening or locking may involve the joints or nearby muscles. Similar symptoms can have other causes.
Tell us when symptoms started, what makes them worse and whether you have noticed changes in your bite. Avoid diagnosing the cause from a symptom list alone.
Look beyond a single sore area
We ask about symptoms, clenching habits, sleep, medical history and medicines, then examine the teeth, restorations, jaw movement and bite. Bring any existing splint and relevant reports.
The aim is to identify dental damage and decide what further assessment or care may be useful. Scans, treatment or referral depend on the findings; they are not automatically needed for every patient.
Snoring, witnessed breathing pauses or daytime sleepiness should also be discussed with your GP. Grinding alone does not diagnose sleep apnoea. Read about dental sleep assessment.
Choose a plan for the findings
Protect the teeth when appropriate
A custom occlusal splint may help protect teeth affected by grinding. It is not the same as a sports mouthguard, and protecting the teeth does not necessarily stop grinding. Fit and regular review matter.
Address dental damage
Cracked teeth, damaged fillings or decay may need their own treatment. Your dentist explains the options and costs for the teeth involved rather than assuming every symptom comes from clenching.
Manage contributing factors
Stress, sleep habits and other factors may contribute. Your dentist or GP may discuss practical changes or support. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines without advice.
Refer when another assessment is needed
Persistent or complex jaw pain may need medical, physiotherapy or specialist input. The referral depends on your symptoms and examination; no single approach suits everyone.
Avoid activities that aggravate a sore jaw
For short-term discomfort, softer foods and avoiding chewing gum or very wide opening may help. Notice daytime clenching and try to keep the jaw relaxed. Avoid forcing a painful or locked jaw.
Ask your clinician before starting jaw exercises or using an appliance. Follow any splint cleaning and wear instructions, and arrange review if it causes persistent discomfort, no longer fits or changes your bite.
Keep a brief note of symptoms, sleep and activities that seem to trigger discomfort. This can help your appointment discussion.
Some symptoms need urgent assessment
Seek urgent medical care if jaw symptoms occur with new vision problems, severe headaches or difficulty eating or drinking. A jaw that is stuck open or closed also needs prompt assessment.
For a painful broken tooth, swelling or an injury, contact us for urgent dental assessment. If you have a medical emergency, call 000.
Book a jaw and dental assessment
Fees depend on the assessment and any records, appliance or treatment recommended. Ask for an itemised estimate, including review and replacement costs, before deciding. Check health-fund benefits against your own cover.
You can also view payment options. Find us at 470 Ipswich Road, Annerley QLD 4103. Directions and opening hours.