Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

What Is bruxism (teeth grinding)?

Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching that abrades teeth and may cause facial, neck and shoulder pain. Another term which goes hand-in-hand with bruxism is a condition referred to as TMJ (Myofacial Pain Disorder). People who grind and clench, called bruxers, unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as in their sleep. In addition to grinding teeth, bruxers also may bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek. People usually aren't diagnosed with bruxism until it is too late because so many people don't realize they have the habit. Others mistakenly believe that their teeth must touch at all times. About one in three people suffer from bruxism, which can be treated by Dr. Barry.

Can bruxism cause harm?

People who have otherwise healthy teeth and gums can clench so often and so hard that over time their teeth become sensitive. They experience jaw pain, tense muscles and headaches along with excessive wear on their teeth. Forceful biting when not eating may cause the jaw to move out of proper balance.

What are the signs?

When a person has bruxism, the tips of the teeth look flat. Teeth are worn down so much that the enamel is rubbed off, exposing the inside of the tooth which is called dentin. When exposed, dentin may become sensitive. Bruxers may experience pain in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ)—the jaw—which may manifest itself as popping and clicking. Women have a higher prevalence of bruxism possibly because they are more likely to experience tissue alterations in the jaw resulting from clenching and grinding. Stress is the catalyst to bruxism which can trigger this condition..

Stress and certain personality types are at the root of bruxism. For as long as humankind has existed, bruxism has affected people with nervous tension. Anger, pain and frustration can trigger bruxing. People who are aggressive, competitive and hurried also may be at a greater risk for bruxism.

What can be done about it?

During regular dental visits, Dr. Barry automatically checks for physical signs of bruxism. If he or the patient notices signs of bruxism, the condition may be observed over several visits to be sure of the problem before recommending and starting therapy.

The objective of therapy is to control the forces placed on the teeth and jaw joint. Dr. Barry can make a special acrylic mouth appliance, such as a night guard that's worn to absorb and control the force of biting. This appliance can prevent future damage to the teeth and relieve them of associated joint and muscle pain.

Inform Dr. Barry if you have any of the following symptoms:

1. Sensitive and sore teeth, especially to cold
2. Clicking or popping jaw joings
3. Jaw pain especially when you wake up in the morning
4. Sore muscles in the facial, neck, or shoulder muscles
5. Headaches
6. Pain in the temple region
7. Pressure behind the eyes

Bruxism is the clenching or grinding of your teeth while you are asleep. It is not just an annoyance; it exerts thousands of pounds of pressure on the biting surfaces of the teeth, which can lead to jaw pain and damage to your teeth, as well as to the surrounding bone, gums, and jaw joint. Left untreated, bruxism can cause:

• Jaw pain, earaches and headaches
• Fractured or chipped teeth or fillings
• Loosened teeth
• Damage to the bone that surrounds your teeth
• Damage to the jaw joint (the TMJ)
• Tooth sensitivity as the enamel layer is worn down, exposing the more sensitive dentin layer
• Worn-down teeth

What causes bruxism? How is it treated?

Grinding and clenching your teeth can be a response to stress. There are a variety of stress-reducing techniques that may be helpful, or we might recommend medication to temporarily reduce stress. Medication may also be prescribed to relieve pain and soreness. A bad bite (called malocclusion), spaces between teeth, or wom teeth may also cause you to clench and grind your teeth. Braces, crowns, bridges, or other dental restorations can correct your bite and eliminate the clench-and-grind pattern.

We may also recommend that you use a nightguard, a plastic device worn at night that fits over either your bottom or top teeth. It helps eliminate the irregularities of a bad bite and protects your teeth from the damage caused by grinding.

Nightguards are custom-crafted to fit your teeth. First, we make an impression of your teeth that we use to create models. It is on these models that your nightguard is created. At your next appointment, you will try on your nightguard, and adjust it for a precise fit.

Without treatment, the constant clenching and grinding of your teeth can cause widespread damage in your mouth. Dealing with the problem early can restore harmony and prevent many future problems.