Will Bruxism Cause Jaw Pain? And How to Prevent Them
Regularly grinding your teeth is commonly due to a condition known as bruxism. This condition takes place unconsciously when awake or asleep. It affects the teeth, jaw muscle, and temporomandibular joints. Bruxism is related to emotional issues or certain medications in adults. However, it may be caused by teeth misalignment, obstructive sleep apnea, or allergies.
Patients with this condition have jaw or tooth pain due to the constant grinding pressure on the teeth and jaw. They remain tender and sore even when you are not grinding them. The jaw bone may feel pain as a dull ache and tension. It may also manifest in the TMJ as a sharp or achy pain. It may also cause a headache, earache or neck ache.
Do people tell you that you grind your teeth? Do you have unending jaw or tooth pain? Sometimes, you may even have some white grit in your mouth due to the breaking off of the enamel. Here is what patients should know about diagnosing and treating teeth grinding in Berlin, CT.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) – Diagnosis and Treatment
- Signs and Symptoms of bruxism
The signs and symptoms should alert you to diagnose bruxism at Advanced Dental- Berlin.
- Facial pain
- Locking of the jaw
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Abraded teeth
- Worn down enamel
- Teeth fractures
- Jaw dislocation
- Disrupted sleep
- Tooth sensitivity
- Clicking or popping in the TMJ
- Damage to the inside of your cheek
- Tongue indentations
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Diagnosis
The condition is diagnosed by evaluating your teeth, TMJs, and jaw muscles. This physical exam is backed by an overnight sleep study test, known as polysomnography. Diagnosis occurs over several dental visits to determine whether the condition is progressive. After a definitive diagnosis, treatment begins.
- Treatment
Severe bruxism requires treatment to relieve jaw pain and discomfort and prevent further tooth damage. Treatment for jaw clenching and teeth grinding in Berlin, CT, is provided based on:
- Your age
- Medical history and overall health
- Personal preferences
- Suitability for specific medicines, therapies, or procedures
There are no definitive cures for teeth grinding. Several treatments by a dental expert may be needed. Some to prevent tooth grinding and tooth wear, and others alleviate the symptoms.
Treatment may involve:
- Behavior changes
Bruxism can be relieved by changing particular behavior. The dentist in Berlin, CT will guide you in practicing mouth and jaw positions that prevent tooth grinding. You will be instructed to properly rest your tongue, teeth, and lips to relieve discomfort on the jaw.
- Biofeedback
It is a method that involves monitoring procedures and equipment. They measure the amount of muscle activity of the jaw and mouth. The method teaches you how to control jaw muscle activities to prevent bruxism.
- Stress and anxiety management
Patients who suffer from the condition due to stress and anxiety may be referred to a therapist or counselor for help. The specialist teaches them strategies that promote relaxation.
- Mouthguard and splints
These devices are designed to prevent or correct the damage caused by grinding and clenching. They are made of hard acrylics that fit your lower or upper jaw. You may wear them at night or during the day based on when you grind your teeth the most.
- Medications
Medications are not very effective in treating bruxism. However, they help relax the jaw muscles and relieve excess stress and anxiety. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants, Botox® injections, or antidepressants.
- Lifestyle and home remedies
Some lifestyle and home remedies can help prevent teeth grinding. They are:
- Reduce stress. Seek medications, therapy, or counseling to help with stress and anxiety.
- Avoid stimulating substances such as alcohol, caffeine, or tea before sleeping.
- Stay away from cigarettes and drugs, which make the condition worse.
- Ask your sleep partner to wake you up whenever you start grinding your teeth when sleeping. Stop yourself from the habit if you notice it during the day.
- Get cures for TMJ. Bruxism and TMJ are related. Getting a cure for TMJ will help relieve the condition.
- Schedule regular dental exams
Routine exams will help your dentist in Berlin, CT spot signs of bruxism.