Highland Park, MN TMJ Dentistry Discusses the Dangers of Bruxism

Written by Drs. Mark and Rachel Malterud on Apr 9, 2013

You may have heard your Highland Park, MN TMJ Dentistry team use the term “bruxism” and wonder what they are referring to. Simply put, it is grinding or clenching of the teeth and jaw. Patients who have TMJ disorder usually develop methods for avoiding the pain associated with TMJ. They may avoid chewy or sticky foods that they know will aggravate the discomfort in their sensitive jaws.

But there are some habits that they can develop that they are not even aware of. These can really make their TMJ symptoms more pronounced and cause significant discomfort. Here are some basic facts about bruxism, and how it impacts TMJ disorder.

What is bruxism?

The first step is to understand exactly what bruxism is and why it plays such a big part in dental health. Bruxism is a chronic condition that can affect patients of all ages. Patients with bruxism grind and clench their teeth for a number of different reasons.

When someone is stressed they often carry excess tension in the jaw, face, and neck muscles. This often leads to dental grinding and clenching of the jaw. If your bite is uneven, you may grind your teeth in your sleep without being aware that you are doing so.

How does bruxism affect TMJD?

Patients with TMJD often find that their symptoms are made worse by bruxism. This is because bruxism, or bruxing, puts great stress on the temporomandibular joint and jaw muscles. You may find that you have a stiff, painful jaw, or that your jaw is making clicking sounds. Some patients even end up with limited jaw mobility. If you’ve already been diagnosed with TMJ problems or bruxism, speak to your doctor about how you can avoid painful complications.

If you suffer with TMJD or believe that you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, contact the Highland Park, MN TMJ Dentistry office to schedule a consultation. We will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and maintain a healthy and comfortable smile.