Caring for More Than Just Your Teeth
Your teeth, jaw muscles, joints and airway are all connected. At Tranquility Dentistry in Yamanto, we look beyond cavities at every check-up, checking for signs of grinding, jaw problems and sleep-disordered breathing, so we can help with conditions that affect your comfort, sleep and overall health.
Two of the most common are teeth grinding (bruxism) and snoring and sleep apnoea. Both often go unnoticed for years, and both can be helped with simple, custom-made appliances.
Signs to Mention at Your Next Check-Up
Let us know if you notice any of these:
Possible teeth grinding
- Waking with a sore jaw or headache
- Worn, chipped or cracked teeth
- Clicking or locking jaw
Possible sleep apnoea
- Loud, regular snoring
- Waking unrefreshed or feeling sleepy during the day
- Pauses in breathing noticed by a partner
Custom Appliances Made for You
A custom night guard (occlusal splint) protects your teeth from grinding and reduces strain on your jaw. A custom mandibular advancement splint can help some people with snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea, once they have been diagnosed with a sleep study. Both are made from accurate impressions of your teeth, so theyβre far more comfortable and effective than store-bought devices.
Health fund rebates vary depending on your fund and level of cover. We accept all health funds and claim on the spot with HICAPS. We see patients from Yamanto, Ipswich, Raceview, Flinders View, Ripley, Springfield, Amberley and surrounding areas.
About Teeth Grinding
Teeth Grinding or Bruxism is when a person grinds, clenches or gnashes their teeth. This can happen unconsciously while you are awake or when you are asleep. Because it happens unconsciously, lots of people donβt realise that they have it!
Signs/Symptoms include:
– Teeth grinding or clenching whilst sleeping that can be loud enough to wake up your sleep partner,
– Worn tooth enamel,
– Teeth appearing flattened, chipped, loose or fractured,
– Heightened sensitivity or tooth pain,
– Neck, jaw or face soreness or pain,
– Tight or tired jaw muscles or your jaw not opening or closing completely,
– Pain that feels like an ear ache,
– A dull temple headache,
– Sleep disruption,
– Waking up tired consistently, or
– Damage to the inside of your cheek from chewing.
If you notice that your child is grinding his or her teeth β or has other signs or symptoms of bruxism β be sure to mention it at your child’s next dental appointment.
There are some factors that can increase your risk of teeth grinding. These include stress, age, your personality type (aggressive, hyperactive or competitive), family members who grind their teeth, medications or other substances (certain antidepressants, caffeine, alcohol, smoking tobacco) and suffering from other disorders like Parkinsonβs Disease, Dementia or Epilepsy.
About Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
Particularly Loud snoring can indicate a potentially serious problem, being sleep apnoea, but not everyone who has sleep apnoea snores.
Sleep Apnoea is a potentially serious sleeping disorder where breathing stops and starts repeatedly. If you are someone who snores loudly or feels tired after a full nightβs sleep you could be suffering from sleep apnoea.
There are several types of sleep Apnoea, but the most common types are Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (when throat muscles relax), Central Sleep Apnoea (when the brain doesnβt send the proper signals to control breathing) and Complex Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (when someone suffers from both Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnoea.
The most common signs and symptoms of Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnoea (which overlap) are:
– When you stop breathing whilst sleeping,
– Loud snoring,
– Waking up with a dry mouth
– Gasping for air whilst asleep
– Having difficulty staying asleep
– Having a headache in the morning
– Daytime sleepiness (excessive)
– Being Irritable
– Difficulty paying attention
Frequently Asked Questions
About Other Dental Treatments
What other dental treatments do you offer?
As well as general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, Tranquility Dentistry in Yamanto helps with teeth grinding (bruxism) and snoring and sleep apnoea, two conditions that affect your teeth, sleep and overall health.
Why would a dentist treat teeth grinding?
Grinding and clenching can wear down, chip and crack teeth, break fillings and cause jaw pain and headaches. Dentists are well placed to spot the signs early and provide custom night guards to protect your teeth.
Why would a dentist help with snoring?
Dentists often notice signs linked to sleep-disordered breathing, such as teeth grinding or a narrow airway. After a diagnosis from a sleep study, a custom oral appliance made by a dentist can help some people with snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea.
Do I grind my teeth at night?
You may not know. Common signs include waking with a sore jaw or headache, worn or chipped teeth, and tooth sensitivity. A partner may hear you grinding. We check for signs of wear at every check-up.
Is snoring harmful?
Occasional snoring is common, but loud, frequent snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, which has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and daytime fatigue. It is worth getting checked.
What is a night guard?
A night guard (occlusal splint) is a custom-fitted appliance worn while you sleep. It protects your teeth from grinding and can reduce strain on the jaw muscles and joints.
What is a snoring splint?
A snoring splint, or mandibular advancement splint, is a custom oral appliance that holds the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep to help keep the airway open. It is used after a proper assessment and diagnosis.
Can jaw pain be related to my teeth?
Yes. Jaw pain, clicking and limited opening can be caused by grinding, clenching or problems with the bite or jaw joint (TMJ). We assess your muscles and joints as part of your check-up.
Are these treatments covered by health insurance?
Health fund rebates vary depending on your fund and level of cover. We accept all health funds and can process claims on the spot via HICAPS.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer flexible payment options through Zippay, Afterpay and DentiCare, subject to approval before your appointment.
Can stress affect my teeth?
Yes. Stress is a common trigger for clenching and grinding, which can damage teeth over time. It can also affect oral hygiene habits and diet. A night guard can protect your teeth while you work on managing stress.
Can children snore or grind their teeth?
Yes, both are fairly common in children. Grinding often stops as adult teeth come through, while regular snoring in children can be linked to enlarged tonsils or adenoids and should be checked. Let us know at your childβs check-up.
How do I know which treatment I need?
The best first step is a check-up and consultation. We will look at your teeth, muscles, jaw joints and airway, ask about your sleep and symptoms, and recommend the right treatment or referral.
Is treatment for grinding expensive?
Not necessarily. Treatment for grinding can be very affordable, and early treatment avoids more expensive repairs later. We will provide a quote after your assessment.
Do sleep problems affect oral health?
They can. Mouth breathing and sleep apnoea can cause a dry mouth, which increases the risk of decay and gum disease. Grinding linked to disturbed sleep can also damage teeth.
Should I see a doctor or a dentist about snoring?
Both can help. Your GP can arrange a sleep study for diagnosis, and a dentist can provide an oral appliance if it is recommended. We are happy to work alongside your doctor.
Is your clinic accessible?
Yes. Our Yamanto clinic is fully wheelchair friendly, with accessible parking and treatment rooms.
Where are you located?
Tranquility Dentistry is at Shop 7, 428 Warwick Road, Yamanto, just south of the Ipswich city centre. We welcome patients from Raceview, Flinders View, Deebing Heights, Ripley, Amberley, Willowbank, Springfield, Redbank, Brassall, Karalee and beyond.
How do I book an appointment?
Call (07) 3060 4724, email info@tranquilitydentistry.com.au or book online. Let us know if you have concerns about grinding, jaw pain or snoring so we can allow enough time.
