Everything You Need To Know About TMJ Disorders

The link between teeth grinding condition and temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder has been an ongoing debate among medical professionals across the globe. However, there is no doubt about the fact that Bruxism, as the teeth grinding condition is called, is one of the causes of TMJ pain. If you are suffering from pain in your jaws and are aware of your bruxism condition, it might help to have an orthodontist near you assess your situation and suggest ways to relieve you of the TMJ pain.

What Is Bruxism And What Are Its Causes & Symptoms?

Bruxism is a medical condition in which people often clench their jaws and grind their teeth, mostly while sleeping. Even if the persons themselves can’t tell that they are suffering from this issue, the person sleeping next to them might end up noticing the grinding sounds. It is not a good idea to ignore bruxism, as it can lead to greater dental issues, such as tooth fracture, tooth loss, or result in requiring dental treatments like root canals, crowns, or bridges.

The most obvious symptoms of bruxism are stiffness of the jaws, pain in the ears, facial muscle pains, and TMJ pains. Other symptoms, that can sometimes be confused with other medical problems, are headaches or sensitive teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms recurringly, it is better to seek assistance from an orthodontist in NE Calgary, without further delay.

Several medical problems could trigger bruxism in a person, the most important of them being sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), allergy to a specific medication, or missing teeth. Other conditions that could become a reason for bruxism are stress, anxiety, smoking, or even the consumption of alcohol.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

When the temporomandibular joints in front of each ear that connect the lower jaw to the skull on both sides of the face suffer from inflammation, the resulting condition is termed TMJ disorder. Patients suffering from this ailment experience pain while moving their jaws to eat or speak, headaches or earaches, or pain in the neck.

Some common causes of TMJ disorder include injuries to the jawbone, wear and tear of jaws with age, or some undesirable oral habits. Bruxism also is a notorious cause of TMJ pains. Other, less common, causes of TMJ disorder are arthritis, bone deformity, and some types of cancers. While suffering from severe jaw pains, you should try and eat soft foods and liquids to minimize stress to the jaw muscles.

What Are The Options To Treat Bruxism & TMJ Disorders?

If the cause of your TMJ pain is related to Bruxism, the most effective solution to control the damage from teeth grinding is using mouthguards, also called night guards. The night guard acts as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth and also reduces the noise from such grinding that might be disrupting the sleep of your partner. Look for dental clinics that provide custom-made TMJ night guards near you to get the perfect fit, else the use of the night guard might result in other issues.

Mouthguards are also useful for sportspersons who play contact sports such as basketball, soccer, hockey or boxing, to prevent injuries to the mouth. However, it is crucial to seek proper medical attention when suffering from TMJ disorders to prevent further dental issues, such as tooth fractures or even tooth loss. Consulting with an experienced dentist can provide relief from TMJ pains and prevent extensive damage to the dental structure due to severe bruxism.

A proper night’s sleep is essential for us to be able to carry out our responsibilities for the whole day. Starting the day with a nagging headache, pain in the jaws, neck or ears, can be quite stressful and substantially reduce our productivity at work. To ensure a good night’s sleep try taking a couple of warm showers, listening to relaxing music, practise yoga, or go for stress-releasing massages during the day. Medications can also provide relief and help you have a relaxing sleep.

When it comes to the best quality TMJ night guards in NE Calgary, Totally Orthodontics is the place to visit!