You know that you might have bruxism disorder. However, you also think that you might have TMJ disorder (TMD). The more you learn about it, the more you discover that they tend to overlap, one often causes the other, and they can occur simultaneously. As a result, you may find yourself wondering what types of things they share. Though they are different (bruxism is teeth grinding or clenching and TMD is poorly functioning jaw joints), they share quite a lot. Find out more regarding the similarities (and then, of course, schedule a visit).
It Stresses Your Jaw Joints
When you move your teeth back and forth (and back and forth) or press your top and bottom teeth together with all your might, you’re placing lots of pressure on your jaw joints. When those jaw joints (your TMJs) aren’t functioning well, extra motion of pressure stresses them. So, whether it’s bruxism or TMD, both can strain your jaw.
It Is Treatable With Oral Appliance Therapy
Bruxism is something we can treat with an oral appliance, which will be a mouthguard that prevents the movement that comes with grinding and the force that comes from clenching. Guess what? As you likely guessed, we can also use an oral appliance for TMD to gently position your jaws in a way that lets your joints relax.
It Causes Headaches
All of that pressure and soreness will eventually lead to headaches. This might happen as the result of bruxism disorder, which can cause your face to ache, jaw pain, and headaches. Or, TMD pain in your jaw joints will radiate outward, leading to pain in your head, neck, and shoulders.
Treat Bruxism To Protect Your Oral Health
Come talk with us about your smile today if you think your symptoms may be the result of bruxism or TMJ disorder. Learn more by scheduling a visit in Prairie Village, KS by calling Robert M Browne, DDS at (913) 901-8585.
