TMJ And Bruxism Problems
TMJ And Bruxism Problems
Tinton Falls, NJ
Bruxism or tooth grinding and clenching, and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems are two dental health issues that can affect anyone. However, they are among the most serious dental problems, as they can cause extensive damage to your dental health and quality of life; they usually lead to pain, discomfort, teeth damage and loss, and other dental and overall health problems. Seeking dental care for TMJ and bruxism problems is thus important. At Premier Periodontics and Implant Dentistry we offer a wide range of dental solutions which help to manage or treat these conditions.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a dental condition that is characterized by grinding or clenching of the teeth. The grinding and clenching are often involuntary, often occurring at night when sleeping. However, the condition can also occur during daytime, when you are mentally preoccupied with other matters.
In most patients, the grinding and clenching often go unnoticed, that is until the signs and symptoms start appearing. These symptoms might include:
• Increased sensitivity of the teeth
• Worn-out teeth (on the top surfaces)
• Teeth fractures, cracks, or broken teeth
• Discomfort or pain in the jaw
Bruxism is often caused by stress and anxiety, but it can also be caused or triggered by other factors such as abnormal bites, sleep disorders, night terrors, and other health disorders. The condition can be quite serious when the grinding and clenching occurs regularly. It can lead to teeth damage, increased stress on the jawbone, bite alignment problems, and is usually characterized by pain in the teeth and jawbone, and severe headaches.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is a dental health condition characterized by pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and the muscles that are involved in controlling the jaw movement. TMJ problems occur due to various reasons, which include:
• Misalignment of the disks found in the jaw joints
• Damage of the cartilage in the joints
• Damage of the jaw joint due to increased stress and tension - for example, long time grinding and clenching (bruxism)
• Damage to the TMJ following a dental trauma
TMJ dysfunction can lead to several dental and overall health problems including pain and swelling around the jaw, pain around and in the ears, severe headaches, problems with opening or closing the mouth, inability to chew, etc.
Treatment Options For TMJ And Bruxism
Treatments for TMJ and bruxism problems vary from one patient to another, depending on the condition of each person. Several treatment solutions are available, which either help to control (manage) the symptoms, stop the causative factor, or fix the damage causing the problems. Some of these treatment options include:
Teeth night guards to ease pain and protect your teeth and jawbone from additional damage. The night guards can sometimes help to stop the grinding
• Jaw alignment devices to fix jaw joint misalignment
• Bite adjustments to ease the discomfort on the jaw joints
• Jaw surgery to fix the issue or repair damage to the jaw
Aside from the damage to your teeth and jawbone, TMJ and bruxism problems can cause extreme pain and discomfort that can greatly affect your life. However, you can find relief with solutions from Premier Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. Call us today at (732) 747-1766 to find out more about these dental conditions and the treatment options that we can offer you.