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With our fast-paced lives, everyone is stressed about something. We all know that stress can negatively impact our heart, but did you know it can affect your teeth as well? You can end up grinding your teeth in your sleep, which can put pressure on your jaw, and even create cracks in your teeth! Grinding can also cause TMJ disorder, which results in a lot of pain. Let’s talk more about how TMJ therapy in Medford can offset the effects of stress in your mouth.
How Do I Know if I Grind My Teeth at Night?
Bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding or clenching, occurs in 10 to 15 percent of the adult population. Since it’s done while you sleep, many people are unaware that they even do it. It can sometimes be identified by a bed partner, but if you sleep alone, here are some signs to watch out for:
- Popping or clicking sounds in your jaw
- Pain in your face, neck, or ear
- Headaches or migraines
- Sensitive teeth
- Broken or damaged teeth
- Weak or worn-down tooth enamel
If bruxism is not treated after a while, it might result in TMJ disorder, which can cause serious pain.
What is TMJ?
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, disorder is when the joint that connects your jaw to the rest of your skull does not function the way it should. It’s a condition that is most often caused by grinding due to stress that is not dealt with well enough. Symptoms of TMJ are similar to symptoms of teeth grinding, but they may also include difficulty or pain when opening or closing your jaw all the way.
How Can I Stop Grinding My Teeth?
A nightguard is a tray that you wear over your teeth that protects your enamel from getting worn down through grinding. It also removes some of the pressure from your jaw muscle to prevent TMJ pain. Most of the time, after you’ve worn a nightguard for a while, your jaw will stop moving entirely while you sleep.
Your dentist in Medford can craft a custom nightguard to keep you from grinding. You could buy a nightguard at the grocery store, but it won’t fit as well as a custom one you get from your dentist. When it fits your unique bite, it works much better at stopping the habit in its tracks and eliminating pain.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, be sure to contact your dentist right away to get yourself checked out. In addition, try other methods of reducing stress, like yoga, meditation, and drinking tea.
About the Author
Dr. Gary Rosenfeld has more than 33 years of experience treating patient’s smiles at Island Daily Dental Care in Medford, NY. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you are interested in stopping your jaw pain with a custom nightguard, contact the doctor on his website or by calling (631)-286-9000.