TMJ/Bruxism

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, involves pressure and movement of the teeth against each other that can cause serious harm to the teeth, gums, muscles, and jaw. Some people grind their teeth during the day, but more commonly during sleep, and it can be easily fixed with the use of a night guard.

You probably won't know if you're grinding your teeth in your sleep, but symptoms include headaches, sore jaw, and earaches. Causes include stress and anxiety, diet, alignment issues, posture, and sleeping habits. More women suffer from bruxism than men. It is a common problem, affecting about one-third of the population.

People who experience teeth grinding may also exhibit other signs of stress including nail biting, chewing on pencils, and chewing on the lips or the inside of the cheek. If left untreated, teeth grinding can contribute to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction. The rubbing together of teeth will cause the teeth to wear down over time, affecting oral health and jaw comfort.

While TMJ refers to the actual jaw joint, TMD refers to the problems of pain or impaired functioning of the temporomandibular joint. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can involve:

• The actual joint
• The muscles surrounding the joint
• Associated structures in the head, neck, and face including teeth

TMD is often caused by bite problems, muscle imbalance or strain, damaged tissues, or displacement of the TMJ disk.

TMD is usually chronic and degenerative, meaning it only gets worse over time. If you’re experiencing any of the signs of TMD, it’s important to make an appointment with us so that we can assess your situation and determine treatment. The sooner we determine what type of TMD is causing your problems, the easier time we will have with treatment. We can’t cure TMD, but we can alleviate the pain of TMD successfully in 95 percent of cases without the use of surgery!

More than one factor can contribute to TMD, and because TMD can occur in conjunction with other health problems, it can be hard to diagnose. What are some of these factors?

• Trauma
• Problems with bite
• Inflammation of the joint
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Neuromuscular imbalances
• Disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
• Family history
• Diet and nutrition
• Psychological factors such as stress or nervousness

If you find that your jaw pops or clicks, you suffer from headaches frequently, you have problems with opening your mouth, swallowing, or even smiling, you might be suffering from TMD.

Women are the most common TMD sufferers, but men and even children can be affected as well. TMD may come from just one cause or several. Symptoms of TMD are similar to symptoms of other problems, which is why proper diagnosis is so essential.

• Headaches
• The jaw joint pops or clicks upon movement
• Pain in the face
• Pain or stiffness in the neck
• Pain in the jaw joint
• Teeth become sensitive, worn, or loose
• Problems opening or closing your mouth
• Dizziness
• Problems with chewing or swallowing
• Pain when you speak or move your mouth in any way
• Ear pain or congestion
• Ringing in the ears
• Problems with posture
• Unsatisfactory sleep

TMD is a problem from which we can help you find relief. Contact Aliso Smiles for your appointment today.