What is Bruxism or TMJ?
TMJ describes the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects the jaw bone to the skull. No one has ’TMJ’. People have two TMJ’s (temporomandibular joints). TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is the proper term to describe TMJ disease.
Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching that abrades teeth and may cause facial pain. People who grind and clench, often called bruxers, unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as during sleep. Many people are unaware that they even have bruxism since it often occurs while they are sleeping. If you wake up with dull headaches or vise-like pain, you may be one of many people suffering from bruxism. Your dentist can usually detect the tell tale signs of bruxism on your teeth.
Bruxism can either directly or indirectly cause many problems. Grinding can cause teeth to become painful or loose. Patients can literally grind away parts of their teeth, leaving them with worn surfaces or fractured enamel. Poeple who have otherwise healthy teeth and gums can clench so often and so hard that over time their teeth become sensitive and they experience jaw pain and headaches. Forceful biting when not eating may cause the jaw to move out of proper balance.
Grinding is a common occurrence among many people at some time or another. If you develop facial pain, fatigue or other problems, treatment may be needed. Talk to your dentist if you suspect that you are grinding your teeth. During regular dental visits, they usually check for physical signs of bruxism. When a person has bruxism, the tips of the teeth look flat. Teeth are worn down so much that the enamel is rubbing off, exposing the inside of the tooth. Bruxers may experience pain in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or the jaw, which may manifect itself as popping and clicking. One out of every 10 Canadians suffers from chronic headaches, and spend over half a billion dollars every year for over-the-counter medications to relieve their pain. TMJ may cause their headaches and their pain may be a result of a bad bite. A bad bite can put your jaw-to-skull relationship out of alignment.
What are your options?
Non-surgical therapies for both bruxism and TMJ may include the wearing of an occlusal splint/night guard to prevent wear and tear of both the teeth and the joints.
A dental night guard is an appoved appliance used to treat clenching and grinding. It is very comfortable. Each night guard is custom fitted specifically for your own mouth. The night guard has a low profile that fits comfortably around the lower part of your gums which keeps the night guard secure in the proper position around your teeth and gums.
It is designed to keep your teeth in proper position. This allows relief on all of your jaw muscles which relieves stress, tension, and aids with headache relief. The night guard aims to stop teeth grinding, reduce snoring, and aid relief of neck and jaw muscles.
