TMJ The temporomandibular joint, also known as the TMJ, connects the lower jaw to the patient's skull. If the joint has problems either by becoming inflamed and swollen, or perhaps something serious such as an infection of some kind, then patients are suffering from what is called TMD or temporomandibular disorder. In many cases, both of those terms are used interchangeably although they both mean different things.Patients who have problems with their TMJ - in the form of pain or discomfort along the jawbone - might also hear a clicking sound when they eat, or have earaches. These are all signs that an individual may be suffering from TMD. What is Bruxism and How Does it Impact the TMJ?One of the most common causes of TMD is bruxism. Bruxism is the technical term for grinding teeth and jaw clenching. This can happen as the patient is sleeping or even while they are awake. If left untreated, this can cause issues with jaw misalignment, which can lead to improper wear to the teeth. For most, bruxism goes unnoticed because the symptoms are not significant enough to draw attention. If the patient does not realize they are grinding their teeth or that they have a partner who does not hear them grinding their teeth while sleeping, then bruxism can go unnoticed for years. Some indicators of bruxism can include waking up with clenched teeth or feeling tenderness along the TMJ joint site. What Are The Causes of Bruxism?Bruxism has two different types. The first is known as awake bruxism and can be brought on by stress or anxiety. This can cause the patient to clench their jaw and grind their teeth. There are also emotional states which can increase the likelihood and severity of bruxism. Anger, tension, and frustration can all be contributing factors. The second type of bruxism is known as sleep bruxism and is linked to genetics. When a patient's family has had a history of bruxism then they are likely to suffer from it too. Other conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and dementia can also lead to a higher likelihood of developing bruxism. Bruxism PreventionKeep in mind, while bruxism can be problematic and cause damage, it is entirely treatable. We can work on stress reduction and anxiety-reducing exercises to deal with it. There are mouthguards that can be worn to help stop bruxism as well. Mouthguards keep the teeth apart so they cannot grind together and will alleviate sore teeth and jaw pain. There is also a dental appliance called a bite splint which can be used to hold the jaw and teeth in a single position so they cannot move and grind together. Patients who are worried they have bruxism and would like to talk about available treatments should contact us at 505-292-1051. Give us a call today to get your assessment schedule and your treatment started. |
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