TMJ and Bruxism Approximately five percent of the world's populations are teeth grinders. Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, which either occurs when you are asleep or wide awake. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is the painful condition of your jaw joint or the discomfort in a movement when using your jaw muscles.Although it is said that grinding and clenching of teeth and temporomandibular disorders correlate, the reasoning is unclear. However, it can have detrimental effects to your oral health, which is why Brea Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry advises seeing our professionals so we can guide you on the types of solution and likely prevent any complicated damages. What Is the Cause of Bruxism?Bruxism takes place when our mind is pre-occupied and happens involuntarily. There are no known reasons why one may experience bruxism, but it is said it is often triggered by stress and anxiety and can take place when we are awake or asleep. Bruxism is divided into two categories; one is referred to as Diurnal or awake bruxism. In this condition, the patient is awake while they involuntarily grind their teeth. The other is known as nocturnal or sleep bruxism; during this, the patient is asleep. Both types have the same effect on your oral health. During your initial consultation, if our dentist suspects you to be a frequent teeth grinder, they will evaluate your bruxism's severity by checking for any damages to your teeth and tenderness in your jaw muscles. These findings, along with other indications, will be assessed by scaling them against the parafunctional risk rating system (PRR). What Is The Cause of TMJ Disorder?The cause of TMJ disorders lies in multiple factors such as genetics, arthritis, and bruxism, amongst other conditions. Much like bruxism, severe cases of TMJ disorders can be an extremely painful condition. Particular findings will assist our dentist in evaluating whether you have TMJ dysfunction or not. This may include jaw-locking, making it difficult to open, facial muscle tenderness, clicking and popping sound when opening your mouth, and pain while chewing or talking. Treatment Options For Bruxism and TMJ ProblemsMany times treatment is not required for bruxism in children as they outgrow their habits. However, if bruxism remains into adulthood, a few dental approaches can aid in preventing any severe damages. Splint and mouthguards (also known as occlusal splints) are apparatuses devised to keep your teeth contact-free to avoid placing pressure and causing damage by grinding or clenching. On the other hand, we have corrective jaw surgeries to reverse any damages that may have been caused due to a prolonged condition. Treatment of TMJ disorder requires a symptomatic approach, which means to correct or improve the condition by treating symptoms. If your TMJ disorder is caused by bruxism, the same treatment options will be available for you. However, if your state is a result of other factors, treatment will be aimed at providing relief and correcting previous damages. Although there is no definitive treatment for bruxism and TMJ disorder, we can guide you and provide you with essential behavioral therapy to help you with these conditions. To know more, visit Brea Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry or call us at (657) 341-0808. |
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