Bruxism is a condition that means you habitually grind or clench your teeth. You may be doing this every day and not even be aware of it, and you may grind your teeth at night while you sleep. Bruxism can lead to a TMJ disorder because it places a great deal of strain on the temporomandibular joints.
Symptoms of bruxism may include:
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Facial pain or soreness
- Worn or broken teeth
- Earache
- Tooth pain
- Headaches
Bruxism may be caused by stress, frustration, bite misalignment and other issues. Regardless of the cause, grinding your teeth can lead to a TMJ disorder and TMJ symptoms. As you grind your teeth habitually, the temporomandibular joints can be overextended and strained, which can strain the muscles and nerves surrounding the joint and throughout your face.
If you have bruxism, a nighttime mouth guard may be the right way to prevent it. The mouth guard is customized and fits over your teeth. The mouth guard prevents your teeth from clenching or grinding against one another.
If you think you might be experiencing bruxism, please contact Cedar Park Premier Dentistry to schedule a consultation with our experienced Cedar Park TMJ dentist, Dr. Dale Williams.
