Bruxism among common TMJ causes treated in our office near Davisburg
Bruxism is not a term with which everyone is familiar. This term is used in the dental community to describe teeth clenching or grinding. The Greek origin of bruxism, brygmost, literally means "gnashing of teeth."
This habit of grinding or clenching can sometimes be seen in someone who is concentrating very hard on a task or who is feeling stress. When you view this habit in motion, it looks like muscle contractions in the cheek or jaw. Often, however, we do not see clenching when it occurs. For millions of people, clenching and grinding of teeth occurs while they are asleep. During this state, bruxism can do a lot of damage to teeth as well as to the joints in the jaw. In fact, bruxism is one of the most common TMJ causes there is. Fortunately, individuals in the Davisburg area can find treatment for the symptoms of this uncomfortable problem.
Bruxism can range in severity from mild to severe. Some people may clench or grind only periodically while others seem to do this continuously. The more severe clenching or grinding is, the more risk there is for extensive impact to teeth, joints, ligaments, nerves, and muscles in the face, neck, and head.
Symptoms of TMJ can vary widely but your experienced dentist can identify this condition as well as its cause. Contact Metropolitan Dental Center at to schedule your consultation.
This habit of grinding or clenching can sometimes be seen in someone who is concentrating very hard on a task or who is feeling stress. When you view this habit in motion, it looks like muscle contractions in the cheek or jaw. Often, however, we do not see clenching when it occurs. For millions of people, clenching and grinding of teeth occurs while they are asleep. During this state, bruxism can do a lot of damage to teeth as well as to the joints in the jaw. In fact, bruxism is one of the most common TMJ causes there is. Fortunately, individuals in the Davisburg area can find treatment for the symptoms of this uncomfortable problem.
Bruxism can range in severity from mild to severe. Some people may clench or grind only periodically while others seem to do this continuously. The more severe clenching or grinding is, the more risk there is for extensive impact to teeth, joints, ligaments, nerves, and muscles in the face, neck, and head.
Lifestyle changes to decrease bruxism
The goal in treating TMJ disorder is to reduce stress on the Temporomandibular joints so that they may regain optimal function. Changes to lifestyle includes avoidance or correction of those things which may stimulate clenching or grinding. These include:- Anxiety and stress
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Misalignment
- Use of amphetamines
- Use of certain medications that affect the nervous system
- Stimulants such as caffeine
Treating symptoms for improved comfort
TMJ is a condition in which the ligaments, muscles, and joints are no longer working in unison for comfortable functionality. As long as the muscles and ligaments are stretched and stressed, the symptoms of TMJ disorder will continue. At Metropolitan Dental Center, we use advanced CT scan imagine to determine the underlying issue leading to dysfunction in the joints. If a patient shows signs of clenching or grinding, we may design a mouth guard to reduce the stress on teeth and joints. If TMJ disorder is linked to a problematic bite, we may recommend orthodontic treatment to improve alignment, thus improving functionality in the TMJs.Symptoms of TMJ can vary widely but your experienced dentist can identify this condition as well as its cause. Contact Metropolitan Dental Center at to schedule your consultation.