Many people live with teeth grinding for years before realising it’s a treatable condition. It’s not always obvious. There may be no immediate symptoms, or they may appear in unexpected ways, like jawline changes or persistent headaches. The condition often goes unnoticed until it starts affecting daily comfort or dental health. At OLA Aesthetics, we offer treatments that can help ease the strain and protect both your comfort and your smile.
A Note From Dr Aleks
I often meet patients who are concerned about their jawline. They feel like it’s changing shape or becoming heavier. Many assume it’s part of ageing, but when I examine the area, it’s muscle that’s responsible. More specifically, the masseter muscles have become overworked from years of unconscious grinding or clenching.
I take a conservative approach to treating bruxism. Your jaw is incredibly strong, and it needs to be. It supports chewing, speaking, smiling — so we never want to stop it from doing its job. What we do want to address is unnecessary strain so you feel more comfortable and your face can function freely.
Common Characteristics
- Involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth (especially during sleep)
- Jaw tightness or soreness, particularly in the morning
- Frequent tension headaches or migraines
- Flattened or worn-down teeth
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Earaches not caused by infection
- Facial pain or fatigue
- Disrupted sleep (for you or your partner)
Contributing Factors
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Bite or alignment issues
- Lifestyle habits (e.g. caffeine, alcohol, smoking)
- Certain medications
- Genetic predisposition
Understanding Bruxism
Bruxism involves the repetitive clenching or grinding of the teeth, often without conscious control. This can happen during the day (awake bruxism) or at night (sleep bruxism), with the latter being more difficult to detect. Over time, this constant tension can place strain on your jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to discomfort, inflammation and changes in facial structure.
Although the damage may happen slowly, it can add up. Chronic bruxism can contribute to dental wear, chipped teeth, jawline bulkiness and even tension-related facial pain. It’s not always caused by stress, but emotional and physical stressors are common triggers, especially during busy or high-pressure times of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Often, patients are unaware until a dentist points out signs of wear on their teeth or a partner notices the sound. If you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches or tightness in your face or neck, it may be worth having an assessment.
The recommended approach varies depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms. One way to treat bruxism is to reduce muscle overactivity in the jaw area. This approach helps the muscles stay in a more relaxed resting state and decreases the intensity of clenching.
Reducing the activity of overworked jaw muscles may have a softening effect on the lower face, particularly in patients where bruxism has led to muscle bulk. We’ll discuss your goals and expected outcomes in detail before beginning any treatment.
Yes, and in many cases, we recommend a combined approach. Night guards can help protect your teeth from further wear, while our treatments focus on reducing muscle tension at its source.
Stress management, good sleep hygiene, avoiding stimulants in the evening and staying hydrated can all help reduce episodes of bruxism. We can also refer you to other specialists if needed for sleep studies, dental work or physical therapy.
Request Your Private
Consultation at OLA Aesthetics
If you suspect bruxism is affecting your comfort or appearance, let’s talk about it. At OLA Aesthetics in West Perth, we’re here to help you feel and function your best.