What is the relationship between teeth clenching and TMJ?
TMJ can be described as a pain-causing alteration in the normal functioning of the jaw joints. Teeth clenching and grinding is often cited as the main cause of the Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ or TMD). That is why many treatments of TMJ are focused on remedying bruxism.
Whether deliberate, habitual, part of a sleep disorder, teeth grinding involves the abnormal and excessive use of the masseter muscle. One of the strongest muscles in the body, the masseter can exert up to 150 pounds (22.6kg) of force.
However, this force meant for chewing food or holding/ biting objects between the teeth, instead of grinding down the opposing set of teeth. This excessive teeth grinding can be highly destructive for your teeth and may even alter the alignment and shape of your mouth.
Over time, unconscious teeth clenching and grinding, especially during sleep, can result in common TMJ issues.
The three most common TMJ problems are:
Myofascial pain: A chronic pain disorder also known as referred pain. It occurs when pressure on sensitive points in your muscles causes pain in the muscle of other seemingly unconnected parts of your body. Symptoms include headache, stress, anxiety and chronic back pain.
Internal derangement: This refers to an abnormal position of the articular disc, the little rubber band that sits between your jaw and the skull. The articular disc helps to cushion biting forces thus allowing the jaw to open and close with ease.
The abnormal position of the disc results in the restriction of the normal range of motion – in some cases, limiting mouth opening. Patients often complain of a clicking sound in the jaw area when they open or close their mouth.
Osteoarthrosis: A degenerative disorder that mainly affects the disc cartilage of the jaw joint. A damaged disc cartilage can impair the normal function of the jaw joint.
Diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders is highly complex and usually entails a multidisciplinary treatment approach. As such, it is important that dentists address the underlying causes of TMJ, including those of teeth grinding and clenching.
Why should I buy a teeth grinding mouth guard?
Teeth grinding and clenching not only damages your teeth, gums, and jaw, it can also disrupt your partner’s good night sleep. Some of the ways to reverse or minimise this problem include medications, lifestyle and behavioural change, and surgery.
However, the mouth guard for clenching is still the easiest solution that provides the most immediate results.
Mouth guards or teeth guards are made from durable and rugged plastic material. As compared to daytime mouth guards, bruxism night guards are more commonly used. That’s because nocturnal teeth grinding is more prevalent. It also puts more pressure on your opposing teeth and therefore more likely to damage your teeth.
By taking an impression of your bite, your Canberra dentist will ensure that the night guard fits your exact teeth dimensions and conforms to the unique contours of your pearlies.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, all our custom-fitted mouthguards are FDA-approved dental appliances. They are precisely designed and fabricated to prevent your teeth from touching, thus reducing the pressure on your teeth and pain on your jaw muscles.
By investing in this simple dental appliance, you may end up saving thousands of dollars in future dental treatments. The initial cost of the mouth guard is far less expensive than the treatment that will become necessary if your teeth remain unprotected. For example, teeth grinding can result in a fractured tooth tat needs a crown restoration. The crown alone can cost 2 to 3 times as much as a night guard.
For a gentle and non-surgical way to prevent the effects of bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching during sleep), call our friendly team at Molonglo Dental Surgery on 02 6287 1222.
