TMD/Bruxism Night Guards Etobicoke
Bruxism is a condition where you grind or clench your teeth. If you suffer from bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth during the day or grind them while you sleep. While mild bruxism may not require treatment, frequent and severe bruxism can lead to serious problems, such as jaw disorders, headaches, and damaged teeth.
Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
- Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to disturb your sleep partner
- Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose
- Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
- Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
- Cheek damage from chewing the inside of your cheek
- Jaw, neck, or face pain or soreness
If you're experiencing any of these bruxism symptoms, it’s important to talk to your dentist. Regular dental checkups can also help identify issues caused by grinding or clenching your teeth. Your dentist may recommend a mouthguard to prevent further damage to your teeth.
TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) is a condition that causes pain in the joints that hold your upper and lower jaw together, often resulting in difficulty moving your jaw.
Signs and symptoms of TMD include pain or tenderness around the ear, jaw, or facial muscles, as well as problems with opening or closing your mouth. You may also hear clicking, popping, or grinding noises when chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth. TMD is often associated with neck pain and headaches. It may be caused by jaw injuries, joint disease (like arthritis), or muscle tension in the head or neck. Stress can also be a contributing factor to TMD symptoms.
How Your Dentist Can Help with TMD
To diagnose TMD properly, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive medical and dental evaluation, which may include panoramic X-rays to examine the jaw joint and surrounding structures. The dentist may also check your occlusion (bite), muscles, and tissues in the head and neck for signs of inflammation. In some cases, you may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for further evaluation and treatment.