A dentist’s guide to teeth grinding (bruxism)!

Have you been waking up with headaches, a tight jaw or maybe even a chipped tooth that seems to have come out of nowhere? According to Dr Maria Raskina from Dental Designs Clinic, these can be signs of teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw disorders, conditions that can affect far more than just your mouth. She chats with us about how to tackle these issues (including the use of mouth guards for bruxism) before they get worse.

What is teeth grinding or bruxism?

Bruxism is the habitual clenching or grinding of teeth, often occurring during sleep, but sometimes during the day. Many people don’t realise they’re grinding their teeth until symptoms like tooth wear, jaw stiffness or headaches appear.

If left unchecked, bruxism may lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which involve problems with the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Common signs include jaw clicking, facial tension and discomfort and difficulty opening or closing the mouth comfortably.

Bruxism and TMD aren’t just dental problems. They affect energy, focus and even sleep quality. Addressing them early makes a real difference in day-to-day comfort.

How do you diagnose teeth grinding?

At Dental Designs Clinic, dentists use tools like the Brux Checker, a simple, discreet screening method that shows where and how teeth grinding occurs.

Seeing the patterns can be eye-opening for patients. It allows us to customise a treatment plan that actually works, rather than just guessing.

These insights guide us in recommending the right appliances and therapies, helping patients prevent long-term damage while managing symptoms effectively.

I’ve been diagnosed with bruxism. What are my treatment options?

Custom mouth guards are the cornerstone of bruxism and TMD management. Night guards protect teeth from wear and fractures, while jaw-stabilising splints ease muscle strain and reduce tension. Crafted in-house and accurately fitted to your bite, Dental Designs Clinic offers a range of custom mouth guards tailored to different intensities of bruxism, from mild to severe, ensuring comfort and long-term compliance.

Botulinum toxin injections can help some patients alleviate jaw muscle tension and pain. They can also help protect the teeth from nighttime habits such as teeth grinding and clenching. It does not interfere with normal jaw movement or chewing as it is placed in specific muscles, such as the masseter, the main chewing muscle on the side of the jaw. This makes botulinum toxin a practical, non-invasive option for supporting long-term jaw health and everyday comfort.

Can children have bruxism as well?

Teeth grinding isn’t just an adult issue as children and toddlers can do it too. In Singapore, factors such as school stress, a busy routine and environmental triggers can contribute. Bruxism often runs in families, though it’s unclear whether this is due to genetics or shared habits. Research also suggests that boys may be slightly more likely to grind their teeth.

In many cases, kids grow out of it naturally. But it’s worth consulting a dentist or paediatrician if morning jaw stiffness or pain, tooth sensitivity and frequent headaches are often noticed. Our clinic’s family-focused approach also educates parents on habits that can worsen grinding and offers practical lifestyle tips to reduce stress.

What other appliances can help support jaw and dental health?

At Dental Designs Clinic, our experienced team of dentists and in-house lab work together to provide custom solutions for jaw and dental health, making prevention, comfort and long-term wellness a priority for patients of all ages. Besides dental appliances for teeth grinding, other custom oral appliances are also available.

#1 Sleep appliances for restful nights

For those dealing with sleep apnea, custom dental sleep appliances offer a simple, lifestyle-friendly alternative to bulky CPAP machines. These devices gently position the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open and improve breathing during sleep.

DuraSleep Lite is a non-invasive oral appliance designed to manage mild to moderate sleep apnea for first-time users. It is fabricated in Dental Designs Clinic’s in-house lab using high-quality materials from Germany (ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 certified), and is crafted to meet strict safety and performance standards.

#2 Sports guards for active lifestyles

From weekend football to martial arts or rollerblading, families can benefit from custom sports guards, which help reduce the risk of oral injuries such as tooth fractures. Many athletes report feeling more confident and focused during play, knowing their teeth and jaws are properly protected.

Healthy teeth and a comfortable jaw are central to overall wellbeing. By addressing issues like bruxism, TMD, sleep apnea and sports-related injuries early, patients can feel more balanced, sleep better and protect their smiles for years to come.

More about this dental clinic

Dental Designs Clinic takes a holistic, patient-centred approach to oral health, with a focus on overall wellbeing, comfort and everyday function. With three branches in Singapore, the clinic features an in-house lab where custom oral appliances, dental crowns and aesthetic veneers are crafted on-site.

The friendly team ensures a calm, supportive experience for patients of all ages. A dedicated kids’ corner makes the clinic especially welcoming for families, keeping dental visits stress-free for all ages.

For insights and real patient stories, check out the clinic’s Before & Beyond series on YouTube or tune in to The Bite Angle podcast for practical dental advice.

More about this dentist

Dr Maria Raskina holds a degree in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from NYU College of Dentistry. She has over 10 years of private practice experience in Singapore and the United States.

Dr Maria helps patients improve both their oral and overall health with a focus on prevention and minimally invasive, holistic dentistry. She is fluent in English and Russian and conversant in Spanish.

• Raffles Place branch: Level 3, The House of Eden Singapore, 4 Robinson Road
• Cecil branch: #01-01B Keck Seng Building, 133 Cecil Street
• Orchard branch: #12-05 Wisma Atria Office Tower, 435 Orchard Road

6221 8284 | WhatsApp 8200 9092 | dentaldesigns.com.sg
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