& TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS CLENCHING AND GRINDING CAN OFTEN OCCUR WHEN A PERSON IS SLEEPING. WHEN CLENCHING AND/OR GRINDING OCCURS, THE FORCE ON YOUR TEETH IS OFTEN MANY TIMES GREATER THAN THAT EXERTED DURING NORMAL CHEWING.
A SORE OR TIRED FEELING
JAW DIFFICULTY IN OPENING AND CLOSING
HEADACHES
PAIN IN JAW JOINTS
SENSITIVE TEETH
EAR-ACHE
Clenching and/or grinding is often a by-product of stress. Other causal factors can include missing teeth, worn teeth, or teeth that are out of alignment.
No matter what is causing your clenching it is important to treat it early on to prevent damage and restore balance to your mouth.
FLATTEN OR WEAR DOWN TEETH
CHIP TEETH AT THE GUM-LINE
FRACTURE TEETH
DAMAGE THE JAW BONE (MANDIBLE) OR JAW JOINTS
Pain in the jaw and noticeable limitations in jaw movements can be a sign of any of the Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ or TMD).
One or both joints may be affected in people with TMD, which can affect a person’s ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, make facial expressions, and breathe.
Clenching or grinding your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TMJ can all potentially lead to TMJ disorders.
TMD can also be a result of having a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking noises when you open your mouth, or difficulty in opening your mouth wide.
More than 90% of TMD is due to and can cause muscular problems which can cause headaches and other types of pain in the jaw area.
A simple and effective way of treating TMD is by use of a custom nightguard. The nightguard reduces the pressure that is exerted between your upper and lower teeth when biting. A nightguard is custom fitted to ensure that your bite is correctly aligned to further reduce any discomfort or pain.
Speak to the team at VICTORIAN DENTAL GROUP if you are concerned you are experiencing any TMD related symptoms, and to see if a custom fitted nightguard would be appropriate for you.
This article is designed to be for information purposes only and does not substitute or replace the advice of a registered health practitioner. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Please view the site Disclaimer for more information.
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