Bruxism & TMJ Therapy
Common symptoms include sore jaw, headaches, and earaches — and the condition affects approximately one-third of the population.
In the practice's own words.
The Facts About Clenching & Grinding
Contributing factors include stress, anxiety, tension, misaligned teeth, posture, diet, and sleeping habits. Individuals prone to stress reactions involving anger, pain, frustration, aggression, or competition face higher risk. Those with bruxism may exhibit additional habits like biting fingernails, pencils, lips, or cheeks.
Continuous clenching and grinding can trigger TMJ dysfunction, associated with head and neck pain. Persistent teeth contact causes surface wear, potentially damaging teeth to gum-line level. The condition may cause gum recession and tooth looseness. Untreated bruxism can result in insomnia, eating disorders, and depression.
A Solid Solution
A thorough evaluation examines teeth, tissues, and muscles. Treatment involves creating an orthotic appliance — a nightguard or splint — to prevent grinding and clenching. Multiple nightguard styles exist; if one doesn't work, alternatives may help.
Relief practices include stress management, facial relaxation, massage and stretching, ice or heat application, adequate rest, soft food consumption, and hydration. Damaged teeth and TMJ disorder receive comprehensive repair and treatment.
TMJ Disorder — Managing Stress to Help Your Jaw Rest
The temporomandibular joints, located before the ears and lined with cartilage, enable smooth jaw movement. Stress or improper bite causes joint misalignment, exposing nerve endings and creating pain. TMJ disorder produces symptoms from jaw clicking to sharp temple, ear, neck, and shoulder pain.
The practice evaluates all patients for TMJ dysfunction during regular exams. Treatment goals include addressing the problem, protecting teeth, and correcting bite misalignment. Therapy may include physiologic bite appliances and stress management recommendations.
Management Strategies
- Avoid chewing gum or hard, chewy foods
- Take small bites, alternating sides
- Maintain good nutrition and posture
- Practice side-sleeping
- Apply temple and jaw massage
- Use ice packs initially, followed by moist heat
- Consider over-the-counter anti-inflammatories
Bruxism — grinding teeth unconsciously — can be remedied with a nightguard.
Impeccable quality, great service. Treatment decisions come from the dentist-owner — not corporate management focused on margins.
— care, expertise & beautiful smiles, since 1929 —