TMJ & Bruxism
Treat TMJ Pain and Get Back to Living Your Life
Do your teeth or jaws not align, or do you grind your teeth in your sleep? The pain from
grinding or clenching can be prolonged and result in stress on the Temporomandibular Joint
(TMJ) and the teeth. It can be stay throughout the day, destroying your quality of
life.
Finding a doctor to treat TMJ and bruxism (teeth grinding) can be a challenge, as medical
doctors feel these disorders are outside their domain. But the dental experts at Amelia
Street Dental Clinic are here to assess your situation and create a customized treatment
plan. Let’s get you back to feeling like yourself and free off pain.
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for “temporomandibular joint.” You have two of these joints, one on
either side of your face, where your jaw connects ...
to the rest of your skull. There are several muscles of mastication attached to
the TMJ and the mandible which control the opening and closing of the
jaw.
A variety of disorders can affect the TMJ. Technically, these are called
temporomandibular disorders (TMD). But colloquially, we often just call them
“TMJ.”
If you have TMD or TMJ, you may have pain in your jaw or jaw joints, either or
both ears, or other parts of your face or head.
It could be hard for you to chew, and your jaw may not slide smoothly open and
closed. You might also hear a noise like clicking when opening or closing your
mouth.
What Causes TMJ?
TMJ may have any number of causes. If your jaw was injured, it might have been pushed out of alignment. Sometimes, the... jaw can even form incorrectly as you are growing up, producing problems with your bite. Arthritis may lead to TMJ pain as well.
What is Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)? Or Sleep Bruxism
Related to TMJ is bruxism, which is simply the technical name for grinding or
clenching teeth. It is considered a parafunctional...
habit and happens subconsciously and involuntarily during sleep so is also
called as “Sleep Bruxism”. This forceful grinding can affect people of any age
but is common in children, adolescents, or young adults. Most bruxers aren’t
aware of their grinding and can apply upto of 100-120 kgs of force. This can
result in damaging effects on the teeth, the supporting joint and the associated
muscles. The teeth can wear down, develop microcracks or fracture as a result of
bruxism. The TMJ joint and the surrounding musculature may become very sore
resulting inability to open or close the mouth adequately or perform normal
masticatory function. If you do it in your sleep,it can disturb its
quality.
TMJ and bruxism are not the same thing. Some people with TMJ do not clench or
grind, and many people with bruxism do not have TMJ.
But the overlap is quite common. If you have TMJ, there is a good chance you do
have bruxism. And if you clench or grind and are starting to notice TMJ
symptoms, it is best to act fast to prevent the problem from getting worse.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Some possible causes of teeth grinding include: ...
• Stress or anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• TMD
• Medication use
• Genetics
• Certain health conditions
Are You a Candidate for TMJ or Bruxism Treatment?
TMJ or bruxism treatment might be right for you if:...
• You clench or grind while asleep or awake.
• There is evidence such as tooth or inner cheek damage that points toward
bruxism (sometimes you may not know you clench or grind).
• You have clicking, your jaw locks, or you have pain indicative of TMD.
Benefits of Treating TMJ or Bruxism
• Reduce pain in your jaws, face, and head....
• Prevent chipping, flattening, and other forms of tooth damage.
• Decrease tooth pain.
• Loosen tense muscles.
• Sleep more restfully through the night.
• Improve jaw alignment and overall health.
• Chew your food more comfortably and effectively.
• Prevents irreversible damage to your teeth and jaw bones.
How We Treat TMJ and Grinding
When you contact Amelia Street Dental Clinic for TMJ and bruxism, we will assess
your situation with a full consult....
Once we have an understanding of the particular challenges you face with your
teeth and jaws, we can come up with a personalized treatment plan.
This may involve the use of a custom night guard or an occlusal splint. We may
also make recommendations for medications, physical therapy, and surgical
approaches. If required, we may refer you to a specialist.
Get the Personalized Care You Need to Stop Grinding and TMJ Pain
It is time you finally receive the compassionate care you need to treat bruxism and
TMJ pain. With more than 50 years of combined experience, the experts at Amelia
Street Dental Clinic can help you protect your oral health and find relief.
To schedule your consult for bruxism or TMJ now, please call (number).
Here are some tips for home care and managing your Bruxism
1. Always avoid hard and chewy foods like roasted nuts, pork crackling, hard candies
or lollies. These foods are found to be a trigger for bruxism.
2. Avoid chewing gum is much as possible.
3. Hot fomentation or cold pack application of jaw joint 3-4 times a day is
beneficial. Remember that it is to be done on both the sides simultaneously.
4. Massage of the muscles of mastication (Opening and closing muscles of the mouth)
is also beneficial.
5. Practice meditation to relieve your stress. Stress is found to the prime reason
for the development of a bruxism or teeth grinding.
6. Sleep well.
How to help partners / spouse to cope with your bruxism.
1. Ask them to wear earplugs while sleeping.
2. Ask them to nudge you and help you change your sleeping position so as to disturb
the bruxism cycle.
3. Ask for their help in dealing with your stresses.
Remember you have to seek proper professional help immediately to help your find a
solution for your bruxism. Be proactive and seek help