Bruxism / TMJ
Treating Bruxism and TMJ Disorder
Many factors contribute to your overall dental health besides your teeth and gums, including the joints and muscles that control your jaw. Bruxism and TMJ disorder are common conditions that cause undue pressure and damage to your teeth, jaw, and more. If one or both conditions are present, your dentist may relieve harmful stress on your jaw by recommending a custom-designed oral appliance that helps realign your bite, and keep your teeth and jaw healthy.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the clinical name for excessive teeth-grinding. Many patients experience this phenomenon, mostly at night. Because we can’t control our muscle movements while we sleep, nighttime bruxism is difficult to notice. However, your dentist may suspect bruxism if your teeth exhibit excessive wear or structural damage due to the stress and pressure of grinding.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder is a dysfunction in one or both of your jaw joints (known as temporomandibular joints, or TMJs), often due to bruxism and/or a combination of other factors. Bruxism, however, can also be a symptom of a TMJ disorder. TMJ disorders can lead to a host of seemingly-unrelated symptoms, including chronic headaches, migraines, earaches, and more.