Teeth Grinding and Abfraction: Protecting Your Teeth from Damage

Understanding Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, often during sleep. It can also occur during the day due to stress, anxiety, or TMJ disorders.

Signs of bruxism include:

• Worn or flattened teeth

• Jaw pain or stiffness

• Headaches and facial discomfort

• Tooth sensitivity

What is Abfraction?

Abfraction is the loss of tooth structure at the gum line caused by excessive flexing of the teeth under pressure. Unlike cavities, abfraction is a mechanical rather than bacterial issue and often appears as V-shaped notches near the gum line.

How Teeth Grinding Causes Abfraction

When teeth grind or clench:

• Excessive force is applied to the teeth

• Teeth flex at the gum line, causing enamel and dentin to fracture over time

• This leads to notches, sensitivity, and increased risk of further dental damage

Other contributing factors include malocclusion (misaligned bite) and TMJ dysfunction.

Effects of Abfraction

• Tooth Sensitivity: Exposed dentin causes pain with hot, cold, or sweet foods

• Enamel Loss: Weakens teeth and increases fracture risk

• Aesthetic Concerns: V-shaped notches can affect smile appearance

• Increased Risk of Decay: Weakened areas are more susceptible to cavities

• TMJ Stress: Abfraction often indicates underlying bite issues that strain jaw muscles

Treatment Options for Teeth Grinding and Abfraction

1. Custom Night Guards

• Protect teeth from further grinding damage

• Reduce pressure on teeth and jaw muscles

2. Composite Bonding

• Fills abfraction notches

• Restores tooth shape and protects exposed dentin

3. Bite Adjustment

• Corrects misaligned bite to reduce excessive forces on teeth

• Can involve minor reshaping or orthodontics

4. TMJ Therapy

• Addresses underlying jaw muscle tension

• Reduces bruxism-related stress on teeth

5. Stress Management

• Relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes can reduce daytime grinding

Preventing Further Damage

• Wear a custom night guard consistently

• Maintain regular dental check-ups to monitor abfraction

• Address TMJ and bite issues early

• Practice stress-reduction techniques

Contact Pain Free Dentists Sydney

If you notice tooth notches, sensitivity, or jaw pain, early intervention can prevent further damage and restore your smile.

Call (02) 9558 8988, email info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au, or book online to schedule a consultation.

Effects of Acid Reflux on Teeth: Protecting Your Smile

Understanding Acid Reflux and Your Oral Health

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and mouth. While it primarily affects digestion, it can also have serious consequences for your teeth.

Frequent exposure to stomach acid can lead to enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and increased risk of cavities.

How Acid Reflux Affects Teeth

1. Enamel Erosion:
   Acid weakens the protective enamel layer, making teeth more prone to decay and wear.

2. Tooth Sensitivity:
   As enamel wears away, teeth become sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.

3. Discoloration:
   Thinning enamel can make teeth appear yellow or dull as the underlying dentin is exposed.

4. Increased Risk of Cavities:
   Acid softens enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to bacterial attack and decay.

5. Cracks and Chips:
   Weak enamel can lead to micro-cracks or chipping, increasing the need for dental restorations.

Signs Your Teeth Are Affected by Acid Reflux

• Tooth sensitivity to temperature or sweet foods

• Smooth, shiny spots on teeth from enamel loss

• Thinning or shortening of teeth

• Yellowing of teeth

• Increased cavities or dental decay

Preventing Tooth Damage from Acid Reflux

1. Manage Acid Reflux: Work with your GP or gastroenterologist to control GERD symptoms.

2. Oral Hygiene: Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, but wait 30–60 minutes after reflux episodes before brushing.

3. Rinse Mouth: Use water or a fluoride mouth rinse after reflux episodes to neutralize acid.

4. Dietary Adjustments: Avoid acidic, spicy, or carbonated foods that trigger reflux.

5. Regular Dental Check-Ups: Early detection of enamel erosion can prevent severe damage.

Treatments for Teeth Affected by Acid Reflux

• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthen weakened enamel and reduce sensitivity.

• Dental Bonding or Composite Restorations: Restore chipped, worn, or eroded teeth.

• Crowns or Veneers: Protect severely damaged teeth and restore function and aesthetics.

• Night Guards: Protect teeth if acid reflux contributes to teeth grinding.

Contact Pain Free Dentists Sydney

If you suffer from acid reflux and notice tooth sensitivity, wear, or discoloration, professional dental care can restore your smile and protect your teeth.

Call (02) 9558 8988, email info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au, or book online to schedule a consultation.

Proper Tongue and Lip Posture: Key to TMJ Health

Understanding TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull, enabling chewing, speaking, and yawning. TMJ disorders can cause:

• Jaw pain and stiffness

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)

• Headaches and facial discomfort

• Limited jaw movement

Proper tongue and lip posture is often overlooked but plays a critical role in TMJ function and overall jaw health.

Why Tongue and Lip Posture Matters

Poor tongue and lip posture can contribute to:

• Jaw misalignment: Incorrect tongue position can push teeth out of alignment, stressing the TMJ.

• Muscle tension: Overactive jaw muscles increase pain and stiffness.

• Teeth grinding and clenching: Misaligned tongue posture often worsens bruxism.

• Breathing difficulties: Low tongue posture may contribute to mouth breathing, affecting sleep and TMJ stress.

Proper Tongue Posture

• Tongue Resting Position: The tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth, not on the teeth.

• Tip of the Tongue: Just behind the upper front teeth, lightly touching the palate.

• Whole Tongue Contact: The back and middle of the tongue should also gently touch the palate to support jaw alignment.

Benefits:

• Reduces TMJ strain

• Improves bite and jaw alignment

• Supports nasal breathing and proper swallowing

Proper Lip Posture

• Closed Lips: Lips should be gently sealed without clenching the teeth.

• Relaxed Muscles: Avoid tension around the jaw and facial muscles.

• Breathing Through the Nose: Promotes better tongue posture and reduces jaw stress.

Benefits:

• Reduces jaw tension

• Supports TMJ alignment

• Prevents excessive teeth grinding

Exercises to Improve Tongue and Lip Posture

1. Tongue Push-Up: Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth for 5–10 seconds, relax, repeat 10 times.

2. Lip Seal Exercise: Gently close lips, relax jaw, and hold for 10–15 seconds, repeating several times a day.

3. Chewing Awareness: Chew slowly with lips closed and tongue resting on the palate.

4. Jaw Relaxation: Open and close your jaw slowly while keeping lips gently sealed and tongue on the palate.

Consistency with these exercises can reduce TMJ pain, headaches, and teeth grinding over time.

Holistic Benefits

Proper tongue and lip posture can also improve:

• Breathing and sleep quality

• Facial muscle tone and aesthetics

• Overall oral health

• Posture and neck alignment

Contact Pain Free Dentists Sydney

If you suffer from TMJ pain, teeth grinding, or jaw discomfort, correcting tongue and lip posture can be a simple yet effective solution.

Call (02) 9558 8988, email info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au, or book online to schedule your consultation.