TMJ happens when the jaw is misaligned or the joints that connect the upper and lower jaw have trouble operating as they should. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including bruxism. Bruxism puts an immense amount of pressure on your jaw, up to ten times more force than when you’re chewing food! What are the causes and symptoms of bruxism, and how can you find relief?

Causes of Bruxism

Bruxism can be caused by an improper bite, which means that your top and bottom row of teeth don’t align like they should. This can happen if orthodontic work is needed and the teeth need to be repositioned in order to align properly. Your dentist can help you determine if orthodontic treatment is needed to correct the problem.

Bruxism can also be caused by TMJ disorder, in which the complex joints that connect your upper and lower jaw aren’t working correctly. Your dentist can diagnose TMJ, as many symptoms of this disorder are mistaken for other health problems such as headaches, earaches, and facial muscle pain.

Anxiety and stress could also be the root cause of your teeth grinding and stiff jaw muscles. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, talk with your dentist about treatment!

Symptoms You May Be Experiencing

The symptoms of temporomandibular stiffness and jaw clenching can range from mildly irritating to very painful. Symptoms may include:

 Ear popping

 Frequent ear infections

 Clicking or grinding jaw noises when speaking, chewing, or even just opening your mouth

 Headaches, ranging from dull to migraines

 Tender jaw muscles

If you have any of these irritating symptoms, visit your dentist. Dentists are trained to spot problems that could point to a possible TMJ disorder or bruxism when other doctors may not be certain of the cause and try different methods before finding the root problem.

Finding Relief from Stiffness and Jaw Pain

If you suffer from stiffness or pain in your jaw, remember that there is treatment! As bruxism can lead to fractured and sensitive teeth and even periodontal disease and tooth loss, getting the above symptoms checked out by your dentist is crucial for proper treatment and relief.

Your dentist can diagnose the problem and help determine the cause of your jaw stiffness and bruxism, which will determine the treatment. Perhaps you need orthodontic work to correct an improper bite. You may need to wear a nightly mouth guard to protect your smile from bruxism. Your dentist may also need to repair any existing damage to your teeth as a result of bruxism. If you’re suffering from temporomandibular stiffness and bruxism, don’t hesitate to seek help. Your dentist is trained to identify and treat these problems before they end up costing you your smile. Don’t live with the symptoms—there is relief at your dentist office today!

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Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of TMJ and could range from mild to migraine-like. Headaches can happen because of the way your jaw works when chewing—there may be pressure on places where there shouldn’t be pressure, and often the neck and jaw muscles tend to be sore and carry tension, which can result in headaches as well. If you’re a common sufferer of headaches, you may want to check with your dentist to see if TMJ could be the cause.

Noise

Many people with TMJ experience odd sounds when they chew or open and close their mouths, as this is the most common symptom of the disorder. These noises could range from a clicking or ticking noise to a popping sound to even a grinding noise. These sounds are often annoying to people who experience them and they may be persistent or worsen over time. These clicking and popping noises may be painful when they happen or may be loud enough for others to hear. This noise can happen as the result of the joint being displaced and is usually uncomfortable regardless of whether or not any pain is experienced.

Pain

For some people, TMJ is merely uncomfortable. For others, however, it can be very painful. Your jaw muscles are very powerful, and when your joints in your jaw aren’t working correctly, this can create immense pressure and tension which could lead to painful headaches, sore muscles, and even pain when chewing or speaking. Some people may only experience pain when opening their mouths wide, such as when yawning, others may experience pain anytime they open their mouth, which can be very uncomfortable.

Ear or Facial Discomfort

People with TMJ will often experience an odd feeling their ears and have facial pain from the tense muscles and locking jaw. You may also experience pain in your ear or around the ear, or even a popping sound in your ear. Facial discomfort from TMJ could range from having sore neck or jaw muscles to having sensitive temples and more. Everyone is different and so not everyone will necessarily experience the same TMJ symptoms.

If you suspect you have TMJ or are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your dentist. Although traditional doctors are appropriate as well, your dentist is trained specially in oral health care and can often diagnose TMJ before your primary care doctor would consider it as the cause. There is treatment for TMJ, so seek help for your symptoms!

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