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.

Schedule a Visit at Oxnard Dentistry Today!

At Oxnard Dentistry, our goal is to empower patients to take excellent care of their smiles through our educational approach to dental treatment. Every patient receives personalized, high-quality dental care, along with knowledge about their dental health and how to achieve and maintain their best smile for life. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call Oxnard Dentistry in Oxnard, CA, today at (805) 604-9999. We also proudly serve patients from in and around Camarillo, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Moore Park, and all surrounding communities.