TMJ
(temporomandibular disorder)
TMJ is not just one disorder, but several disorders that affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control chewing. The pain can be minor as slight clicking to popping sensations when the mouth is opened or closed, or as serious as chronic pain extending into the face, neck and shoulders.
X-rays of the teeth and a comprehensive TMJ exam of the jaw can help determine if your problem is dental in nature. If the bruxism and TMJ symptoms are serious enough to be causing damage to the teeth or cause jaw or facial pain then procedures can be done to improve the alignment of your bite. This may include the addition of crowns or reforming of tooth surfaces and/or making a custom plastic mouth guard (splint) to separate the upper and lower teeth and align the jaw joints. This can be worn during the day or at night while sleeping.
Bruxism
(teeth grinding)
In some cases, grinding occurs because the top and bottom teeth are not aligned properly. It may be a response to pain, such as an earache, or the result of a sleep disorder. Most often, bruxism is related to stress. Alcohol and caffeine intake can aggravate the condition, causing more severe grinding or clenching.
