If you frequently wake up with jaw pain, sensitive teeth, or headaches, these may be symptoms of either bruxism or temporomandibular joint disorder. The side effects of these conditions can be similar, and in some cases, patients may have both. Your Sunny Smiles dentistry in El Paso, TX, is here today to explain what these conditions are, and how your dentist may be able to help treat the problem.
Comparing The Symptoms Of Bruxism And TMJ
Bruxism is a condition in which you chronically clench your jaw or grind your teeth together. This usually occurs when you are unaware, such as when you are asleep. You may not be aware that you are doing this until severe symptoms begin to manifest. Some common signs of this disorder may include headaches, earaches, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, and worn-down teeth.
TMJ happens when an excessive amount of pressure is placed on your jaw. This may happen if you have an uneven bite, or for other reasons. If you have TMD, you may notice a popping sound coming from your jaw, frequent headaches, and pain in your face and neck.
How TMJ Relates To Bruxism
As you may be able to tell, many of these symptoms are similar to each other. Patients with TMJ often have problems with grinding their teeth. While TMJ may not directly cause this problem, the act of clenching your jaw and mashing your teeth together can make your TMJ disorder worse. Both problems may also hurt your dental health. Bruxism can cause your teeth to become worn down rapidly, which can make them more susceptible to fractures and cavities. These will require restorations in the future. TMD may be caused by a misaligned bite, and it can also lead to your smile becoming more misaligned as the problem worsens. It can also cause difficulty in opening and closing the mouth. This can be concerning, as chewing and speaking may become difficult if this happens.
There Is A Simple Solution To These Conditions
Luckily, these disorders may not need surgical treatment to fix the problem. At your next dentist visit, you can talk to your team about the symptoms you may be experiencing. They can also examine your oral cavity and check for visual signs as well. They may ask you to open and close your mouth to check for popping sounds. Then, an official diagnosis can be created. To help treat either problem, an oral appliance can be crafted. You will wear this retainer-like device when you sleep to hold your jaw in place and protect the teeth from grinding together.
Talk To Your Dentist Today About Treatment Options
You can schedule an appointment with us by calling Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000.