BRUXISM & TMJ

Bruxism is a fairly common condition that causes patients to clench and grind their teeth.

As a result of this repeated, though unconscious action, a person may experience premature tooth wear, crazing (web-like fracturing of enamel), cracks, and chips. Patients may suffer from sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures as well as pressure. Jaw pain, headaches, and migraines can also plague bruxers.

TMJ disorder, or TMD, stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. It occurs when the joints that hold the lower jaw to the skull are improperly aligned when the jaw is at rest. Many factors cause TMJ disorder, but bruxism and TMD are typically linked.

Identifying Bruxism

Perhaps you don’t know for certain that you clench and grind your teeth. Nonetheless, if you have tooth and jaw sensitivity, headaches, or migraines, there is a good chance that you suffer from this condition.

Oftentimes, bruxers grind their teeth while sleeping, so your roommate or spouse may be the first to notice. During a checkup, Dr. Young also can identify the tell-tale dental damage caused by bruxing.

Causes of Bruxism

Numerous issues can contribute to clenching and grinding teeth. These include:

Stress
Jaw injury
Personality type (competitive, anxious, nervous)
Malocclusion (misalignment of upper and lower jaws when mouth is closed)
TMJ disorder
Calcium or magnesium deficits
Sleep disorders
Certain medications (rare)
Tobacco, alcohol, or caffeine overuse
Drug use
Genetic predisposition
Some medical conditions

Causes of TMJ Disorder

When your mouth is closed, your upper and lower teeth should fit together like puzzle pieces, allowing your jaw joints to rest. The relationship between the upper and lower jaws is termed “occlusion” or “bite.” When disharmony exists in the bite, all the components that make up the temporomandibular joints become irritated. This includes the disc between the bones, plus the associated muscles and nerves. The result? Pain in the jaw and head, clenching teeth, grinding teeth, and dental damage.

TMJ disorder is caused by:

Malocclusion/imbalanced bite
Injury
Birth defect
Arthritis
Overuse/wear and tear
Bruxism

Treatment Options for Bruxism and TMJ Disorder

Dr. Young’s prescribed treatment will depend upon the cause of your bruxism and TMD, as well as the extent of the conditions.

Starting today, you should avoid putting excess pressure on your jaw joints by not chewing gum or biting on pens, pencils, or your fingernails. Implementing a stress-reduction plan, such as meditating or exercising regularly, may also help reduce bruxism caused by anxiety.

Dr. Young will likely recommend a simple mouthguard to be worn at night (called a night guard) to keep your upper and lower teeth from touching, eliminating the potential for dental damage. If malocclusion is at the root of your condition(s), orthodontic therapy or rebuilding the back teeth with crowns should correct the bite issues. In rarer cases, surgery may be the best solution. Should Dr. Young find that surgical intervention is required, he’ll refer you to an oral surgeon for specialty care.

Your Assessment

TMJ disorder and bruxism are destructive, cyclic problems that will continue to wreak havoc on your oral health and quality of life. Don’t allow dental damage to continue. Let us find the cause, provide treatment, and restore your damaged teeth. Give our Lafayette dental office a call today at 337-237-6453.