TMJ/Jaw Pain

The condition known as bruxism, or teeth grinding, affects many people. While some people may do this on purpose during the day, it is more of an issue while you are sleeping at night. Grinding your teeth can erode the enamel, wear down the teeth, aggravate your gums, and cause jaw pain. If it is loud enough, the sound of your teeth grinding could even wake up your spouse.

You might think about using a sleep guard if you grind your teeth. The night guard acts as a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep and is quite similar to the mouth guards used by athletes. Every night guard is individually adjusted to ensure comfort and enable optimum ventilation. Your dentist will make an impression of your teeth so that a dental lab can make the night guard. The lifespan of a night guard is up to ten years, and they are extremely durable.

Additionally, there are a few things you can try to stop doing if you grind your teeth. Instead of having your jaw constricted, you can train it to be loose and relaxed. Avoid chewing on pens or other items like gum. Additionally, you should abstain from alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages because they can make you more likely to grind your teeth. Make an appointment with us right away if you think you might be grinding your teeth at night.

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, joins the mandible, the lower jaw, to the temporal bone of the skull. Chewing is one of the several jaw movements controlled by this joint. You might have temporamandibular dysfunction, or TMD, if the chewing muscles or the joint itself are giving you pain. Stress, persistent jaw clenching, or teeth grinding can all lead to TMD.

Some of the symptoms of TMD are:

• Pain when opening or closing mouth
• Trouble chewing
• Jaw becoming stuck open or shut
• Headaches or ear pain
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth
• Teeth Grinding

Only a doctor can tell you if you have TMD because many of these symptoms are frequently linked to other health issues. Teeth grinding is a particularly troubling symptom since it might result in additional issues. Long-term bruxism, or the grinding of the teeth, can wear away tooth enamel and reveal dentin. Compared to enamel, this substance is softer and more prone to deterioration. Excessive tooth grinding can also cause sensitivity to hot and cold meals and beverages.

Bring yourself in for a consultation if you think you might have TMD. We can aid with your diagnosis and offer symptom relief. Painkillers and hot/cold compresses are temporary solutions to alleviate pain symptoms. To avoid or reduce the consequences of teeth grinding during night, a night guard can be utilized. This might result in a longer-lasting answer. Surgery may be necessary in very severe cases of TMD, but behavioral therapies that alter how your jaw muscles are used are typically sufficient to bring relief.