Bruxism, commonly known as nighttime teeth grinding, occurs when a person grinds, clenches, or gnashes their teeth during sleep. This condition is often a key symptom of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD). TMJ dysfunction can lead to a variety of painful symptoms, one of which is bruxism. Many sufferers may be unaware of the issue until a partner or family member brings it to their attention.
If you’ve been told you grind your teeth at night or suspect you have symptoms of TMJ, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Our Los Gatos dentist offers comprehensive TMJ treatment to help alleviate the discomfort caused by bruxism and other TMJ-related issues. Whether you’ve dealt with TMJ for years or it’s a new concern we are ready to help you find relief.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common issue that can cause jaw pain, headaches, and damaged teeth. It can be treated with a custom-fitted night guard, which prevents your teeth from grinding together while you sleep. Bruxism treatment offers individuals teeth grinding relief with the help of custom-fitted night guards. Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding or jaw clenching, is extremely common and can occur at any age. Many people grind or clench at night and are not aware of what they are doing. Unfortunately, bruxism is also very harmful to the teeth and can lead to dental injury. If you grind repeatedly, your tooth enamel can wear down from the forces of clenching or grinding, and your teeth can crack, chip, or even break. Existing restorations like bridges or crowns can break and require replacement.
Chronic grinding or clenching can significantly aggravate your jaw joint, leading to jaw pain, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, and various other issues. If left untreated, this grinding can wear down teeth to mere stubs, affecting how your jaw closes and how your teeth meet, ultimately impacting the appearance of your face. These changes can result in discomfort, pain, and even the development of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJ).
Understanding Bruxism and TMJ
At Top Down Dental, our mission is to provide exceptional dental care with a specialized emphasis on neuromuscular dentistry, which addresses the root causes of TMJ disorders. We understand that TMJ symptoms can be debilitating, impacting various areas of the body, including the head, face, jaw, ears, neck, back, and upper extremities.
- Bruxism refers specifically to the condition of grinding or clenching the teeth, often during sleep. It can lead to various issues, including jaw pain, headaches, and damage to the teeth.
- TMJ or TMJ Disorder, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses various problems related to the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders can manifest as pain in the jaw, difficulty in moving the jaw, and clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
If you experience bruxism, our experienced team will thoroughly assess your condition to identify specific areas of jaw dysfunction and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
During your initial visit, we may start treatment with Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS), a gentle therapy that utilizes mild electrical pulses to relax the jaw muscles and provide quick relief from pain and tightness.
The Dangers of Untreated Bruxism
Bruxism can significantly damage your teeth. The grinding and clenching place excessive pressure on teeth, which are not designed to endure that force for prolonged periods. Over time, this can lead to various issues, including jaw tightness, headaches, ear pain, ear ringing, and even upper back pain. Without intervention, teeth may crack, wear down, or become misaligned, further aggravating TMJ dysfunction.
Untreated TMJ and bruxism can also worsen over time, leading to more severe symptoms and complications. If left unaddressed, you may experience a locked jaw, difficulty chewing, and increasing discomfort that can affect your daily life.
Oral Myofascial Disorders and Bruxism
In some cases, TMJ dysfunction and bruxism may be related to an Oral Myofascial Disorder (OMD), also known as orofacial myofunctional disorder. These disorders involve a disconnect between the lips, jaw, tongue, and teeth, which can impact the development of the jaw, nose, and throat and the alignment and spacing of the teeth.
If your dentist suspects an OMD contributes to your TMJ symptoms, we offer non-invasive treatments to restore proper function and balance to your jaw, teeth, and facial muscles. These treatments can transform your smile’s appearance and function, providing relief from TMJ-related pain and preventing future complications.
How Bruxism is Diagnosed
Dr. Nehawandian and her team will begin by gathering detailed information about your medical history, current symptoms, and lifestyle habits. We’ll ask questions to determine whether you grind or clench your teeth only at night or if these habits also occur during the day.
During a physical examination, we’ll check for signs of bruxism, such as worn teeth, damaged dental restorations, or tenderness in the jaw muscles. Identifying these signs early allows us to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the immediate symptoms and the underlying causes of your TMJ dysfunction.
We’ll assess your jaw alignment and how it impacts your temporomandibular joints using advanced diagnostic technology. We aim to place your jaw in its optimal position, relieving excess pressure on the joints and reducing your bruxism. Through this process, we strive to decrease daytime and nighttime teeth grinding while helping you become more aware of clenching habits.
Personalized TMJ Treatment Options
Our TMJ dentist believes in providing personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. If you suffer from bruxism, our dentist may recommend several treatment options, including:
- TENS Therapy: This gentle electrical stimulation helps relax the jaw muscles, relieve pain, and reduce tension in the temporomandibular joints.
- Custom Oral Appliances: Worn during sleep, these appliances are designed to keep your bite in its optimal position, preventing teeth grinding and clenching.
- Non-Narcotic Medications: NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain without the need for stronger medications.
- Behavior Modifications: We may suggest changes to your daily habits, such as avoiding excessive chewing, using a supportive pillow and mattress, and adopting stress-relief techniques like meditation or yoga.
Surgery is rarely needed to treat TMJ and bruxism. We’ve experienced tremendous success with these conservative approaches, which can provide lasting relief without the risks associated with more invasive procedures.
Simple Changes to Prevent Nighttime Teeth Grinding
In addition to professional treatment, many of our patients benefit from simple lifestyle changes that help reduce the severity of nighttime teeth grinding. Here are some tips to improve your sleep habits and minimize the effects of bruxism:
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime: Both substances can disrupt your sleep and increase the likelihood of teeth grinding.
- Remove distractions from the bedroom: Turn off technology and notifications to create a peaceful sleep environment.
- Choose supportive bedding: The right pillow and mattress can significantly improve your sleep quality and reduce TMJ-related discomfort.
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule: Maintaining consistent sleep patterns, even on weekends, can help regulate your body’s rhythms and reduce grinding.
- Avoid hard, chewy foods: Overworking your jaw throughout the day can exacerbate bruxism at night. Avoid crunchy foods and chewing on non-food objects like ice or pens.
- Manage stress: Incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or light exercise can help reduce tension before bed.
- Wear your oral appliance consistently: If you’ve been prescribed a custom oral appliance, make sure to wear it every time you sleep for optimal protection.
Schedule a TMJ/Bruxism Evaluation Today
If you’re struggling with the painful symptoms of TMJ and nighttime teeth grinding, don’t wait to seek help. Our Los Gatos dental office can provide the expert care you need to find relief.
Call us today at (408) 354-5600 to schedule your consultation or fill out our online contact form, and one of our team members will reach out to help you take the first step toward a pain-free life.