Clenching, Grinding, and Jaw Pain
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are located on each side of your jaw and allow you to chew, speak, and open or close your mouth. When these joints do not function properly, it can lead to a condition known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMD is a chronic, sometimes progressive condition that can cause symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, clicking or popping noises, difficulty opening the mouth, shoulder or neck pain, and even ringing in the ears (tinnitus). If left untreated, TMD can impact your daily life and overall health, which is why early evaluation and treatment are so important.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding and clenching, commonly referred to as bruxism, can happen during the day or night, but many patients are unaware they grind their teeth while sleeping. Stress, anxiety, misaligned bites, missing teeth, or sleep-related breathing disorders like sleep apnea are common contributing factors. Signs of bruxism include sore jaws, frequent headaches, and tooth sensitivity. Chronic grinding can cause severe tooth wear, cracks, fractures, or even tooth loss. If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, talk to our dental team during your next visit. We often recommend custom-made night guards to protect your teeth and prevent further damage.
Clicking Or Locked Jaw
If you notice clicking, popping, or locking of your jaw while speaking or chewing, it could be a sign of a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This joint dysfunction can be caused by injury, arthritis, jaw misalignment, or excessive strain from grinding and clenching. Mild cases of TMD may improve with self-care, such as eating softer foods, using cold or warm compresses, stress management, avoiding gum chewing, or wearing a night guard. In more severe cases, professional treatments may be needed to restore proper jaw function. Surgical intervention is rare and typically considered only after conservative therapies have been exhausted.
Treatment
During your appointment, our team will thoroughly examine your teeth, bite, and jaw movement for signs of wear, misalignment, or stress. We may utilize digital x-rays, 3D scans, and detailed photographs to create a complete picture of your oral health and jaw function.
Treatment options vary based on the severity of the condition. In some cases, orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, can correct jaw positioning and relieve TMD symptoms. In other cases, we may use a temporary oral appliance to establish a proper bite alignment over a few weeks, followed by restorative procedures like crowns to maintain the corrected bite. Addressing TMD early helps prevent more serious oral health problems and improves long-term comfort and function.