Jaw Clenching & Bruxism

Doctor-Led Assessment for Jaw Clenching, Teeth Grinding & Muscular Jaw Tension

Bruxism describes involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, which may occur while awake or during sleep.

For some people, persistent clenching can cause aching or tired jaw muscles, morning discomfort, headaches, tooth wear or a feeling of tension around the jaw and face.

At ReNu Medical Aesthetics, Dr Jackie offers a doctor-led assessment for troublesome jaw clenching and bruxism, helping to determine whether muscular overactivity is contributing to your symptoms and which management options may be appropriate.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism involves repetitive clenching or grinding of the teeth.

The large masseter muscles at the sides of the jaw are among the muscles involved in chewing and clenching. In people who clench heavily, these muscles can become particularly strong or enlarged and may contribute to muscular tension and discomfort.

Symptoms can include:

Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
Aching or tired jaw muscles
Morning jaw stiffness
Facial or jaw tension
Headaches associated with clenching
Tooth wear or damage
Enlargement of the masseter muscles

Bruxism has several possible causes and not every case is primarily muscular, so appropriate assessment is important before considering treatment.

Your Consultation

Dr Jackie will discuss:

Your clenching or grinding symptoms
Whether symptoms occur during the day, at night, or both
Jaw discomfort, tension or headaches
Dental problems or tooth wear
Previous treatments, including dental splints or mouthguards
Your medical history and current medication
Examination of the jaw and masseter muscles

Where symptoms suggest a dental problem, temporomandibular joint disorder or another underlying cause, assessment by your dentist, GP or another appropriate specialist may be recommended.

Treatment Options

Management depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms.

This may include addressing contributing factors, dental assessment, use of a dental splint where appropriate, behavioural measures to reduce daytime clenching, or other specialist management.

In selected patients where significant muscular overactivity is contributing to symptoms, prescription toxin treatment may also be considered following medical assessment.

Any use of a prescription medicine will be discussed individually, including its intended purpose, limitations, potential side effects and whether its use for your particular condition is licensed or off-label.

What to Expect

Assessment

Dr Jackie will assess your symptoms, jaw movement and masseter muscle activity and discuss whether further dental or medical assessment is appropriate.

Treatment Plan
Your options will be discussed based on the likely cause of your symptoms. Treatment is not automatically recommended simply because you clench or grind your teeth.

Follow-Up
Where treatment is undertaken, response will be reviewed and further management recommended according to your individual symptoms.

Bruxism, TMJ Problems & Jaw Pain

Bruxism and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are related but they are not the same condition.

Jaw pain can arise from the jaw muscles, the temporomandibular joint itself, dental problems or a combination of factors.

ReNu's service is primarily intended for people in whom jaw clenching, teeth grinding and muscular overactivity appear to be contributing to their symptoms.

Persistent joint pain, locking, significant restriction of movement, dental problems or unexplained facial pain may require assessment by a dentist, GP or specialist rather than treatment at ReNu.

Our Approach to Hyperhidrosis

• Doctor-led assessment

• Individual treatment planning

• Appropriate prescribing

• Individual follow-up

The aim is not simply to treat a strong jaw muscle.

Dr Jackie will consider the pattern and likely cause of your symptoms and discuss the options available. Where another healthcare professional would be better placed to investigate or manage your symptoms, appropriate further assessment will be recommended.

Still have questions?

If jaw clenching or teeth grinding is causing persistent muscular tension or discomfort, book a consultation with Dr Jackie to discuss your symptoms and the available options.

Book a consultation

Bruxism & Jaw Clenching FAQs

Is bruxism the same as TMJ disorder?

No. Bruxism describes clenching or grinding of the teeth, whereas temporomandibular disorders involve problems affecting the jaw joint, surrounding muscles or both. The conditions can coexist, which is why assessment is important before deciding on treatment.

How do I know if I grind my teeth?

Some people are aware that they clench during the day, while nighttime grinding may first be noticed by a partner or dentist. Possible signs include morning jaw stiffness, aching masseter muscles, headaches, tooth wear or tenderness around the jaw.

Should I see my dentist?

Often, yes. Your dentist can assess your teeth for signs of grinding or damage and determine whether dental treatment or a splint may be appropriate. ReNu's assessment does not replace routine dental care.

Can jaw clenching cause headaches?

Muscular tension associated with persistent clenching can contribute to headache or facial discomfort in some people. However, headaches have many potential causes. New, severe, persistent or changing headaches should not simply be assumed to result from bruxism and may require appropriate medical assessment.

Can treatment make my jaw look slimmer?

People with particularly enlarged masseter muscles may notice a change in the appearance of the lower face when muscle activity is reduced.

Is prescription treatment suitable for everyone?

No. Treatment depends upon your symptoms, medical history, examination findings and likely cause of the problem. Where prescription treatment is being considered, Dr Jackie will discuss the expected benefits, limitations, contraindications and potential adverse effects before treatment.

Is this treatment safe?

All medical treatments carry potential risks.

Common effects associated with injections can include discomfort, bruising, swelling or tenderness around the treated area. Where botulinum toxin is prescribed, there are additional recognised side effects and contraindications which Dr Jackie will discuss with you before treatment.

Very rarely, botulinum toxin can produce effects beyond the area treated and symptoms consistent with botulism, including generalised muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing or speaking, or breathing difficulties. Urgent medical attention is required if these symptoms develop.

Will I still be able to chew normally?

Treatment, where appropriate, is planned to reduce excessive muscular activity rather than prevent normal jaw function. Temporary changes in muscle strength or chewing can occur with some treatments and will be discussed as part of informed consent.