Teeth Clenching and Grinding

Bruxism is a condition where the individual clenches or grinds teeth causing significant damage to the teeth, facial muscles and the TMJ (tempero  mandibular  joint).

Sleep bruxism or night grinding is a sleep disorder that is often associated with other sleep conditions like snoring and/ or pauses in breathing (sleep apnea)

Symptoms include-

Teeth grinding and clenching sounds that can awaken the sleep partner

Worn, flattened, chipped or loose teeth

Worn enamel causing increased sensitivity from exposed dentin

Jaw or facial pain and soreness

Dull headaches originating in the temple region

Tired of tight jaw muscles

Teeth Indentations on the tongue

Causes include-

Emotions such as anxiety, stress, anger

Abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth

Uncommon side effects to psychiatric medications

Stomach acid reflex into esophagus

Coping or focusing habit

Prevention and early intervention is key to alleviating debilitating pain and irreversible damage of tooth structure requiring extensive restorative procedures

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What are Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders (TMJ)?

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly called "TMJ," are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Some estimates suggest that TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans; the conditions appear to be more common in women than men.

Causes and Symptoms

Trauma to the jaw or temporomandibular joint plays a role in some TMJ disorders but in most cases, the exact cause of the condition is not clear. A variety of symptoms may be linked to TMJ disorders. Pain in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint is the most common symptom; others include jaw muscle stiffness; limited movement or locking of the jaw; painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth; and a change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

Treatment

For most people, discomfort from TMJ disorders will eventually go away with little or no treatment. Some, however, develop significant, long-term problems. Simple steps that may help ease symptoms temporarily include eating soft foods, applying ice packs, and avoiding extreme jaw movements like wide yawning and gum chewing. Short term use of over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines and learning techniques to reduce stress may also provide relief. Even if symptoms become significant and persistent, most people still do not need aggressive types of treatment. 

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