Teeth Grinding, TMJ, TMD, and Bruxism [Quick Guide]

Teeth grinding is harmful to one's overall health, despite what people think. It is important to understand what happens when teeth grinding is done excessively. The official term for this habit is called bruxism, which is a condition that causes a lot of pressure to be placed on the teeth, gums and jaw muscles, all through the act of grinding the top arch of teeth against the lower arch of teeth.

The importance of regular dental care

Regular dental care is important for many things, including maintaining healthy teeth and gums. When the teeth are constantly being ground, one is at risk of developing weak teeth, as well as other symptoms such as headaches or jaw pain. However, if routine dental care is maintained, dentists can work to put a stop to excessive teeth grinding. 

A quick guide

Below is a quick guide of information on teeth grinding, TMJ, TMD and bruxism.

Teeth grinding

According to the American Dental Association, teeth grinding can be caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. Symptoms tend to include a sore jaw, headaches, sensitive teeth and even fractured teeth. Treatment is necessary for dental patients who participate in grinding their teeth, of which there are many, e.g., mouthguards, counseling, medicine, lifestyle changes.

TMJ

According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the main risk factors of being diagnosed with a TMJ disorder includes long-term teeth grinding. TMJ stands for the two temporomandibular joints located on each side of the jaw. These joints make it possible for someone to open and close their mouth, and work closely together when it comes to talking, chewing and swallowing. While not everyone who grinds their teeth will be diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, many will be.

TMD

According to Hopkins Medicine, temporomandibular disorders are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. While not everyone who grinds their teeth will be diagnosed with TMD, many will do to the constant pressure that comes from grinding one’s teeth. Some of the more common symptoms associated with TMD include facial tenderness, facial swelling, hearing a clicking or popping sound when chewing and an improper bite.

Bruxism

According to Cleveland Clinic, when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis, it is a medical condition called bruxism. There are two different types of bruxism – awake bruxism and sleep bruxism. Those who are diagnosed with sleep bruxism are diagnosed with a sleep-related movement disorder. Both children and adults can be diagnosed with this condition, with children participating more in grinding their teeth during the night when sleeping.

Get started with dental treatment

TMJ, TMD, bruxism and teeth grinding should all be addressed by a dentist. These conditions can cause serious health problems if they go ignored. Reach out today to get started with an evaluation! 

Request an appointment here: https://hemetdentalcenter.com or call Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at (951) 707-4366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.

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