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How to Keep Teeth Grinding From Turning Into TMJ
Whether caused by teeth grinding or another issue, a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can lead to chronic pain.
TMJ specialist Adam Nusblatt, DMD, and the knowledgeable team at Nusblatt Dental in the East Village of Manhattan in New York City help diagnose your pain and offer relief. Here, we explain whether certain habits, such as grinding your teeth, may be the cause of a developing TMJ disorder, and what we can to do to help.
TMJ symptoms
Tooth grinding, known as bruxism, often occurs unconsciously while sleeping. It can also be an unwelcome daytime habit that you can learn to control. People have been known to clench their teeth at an astonishing force of up to 250 pounds while asleep. Whether you grind your teeth while asleep or awake, TMJ problems may result, causing:
- Tooth pain
- Jaw tenderness or clicking
- Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth
- Headaches and earaches
- Neck pain and eye strain
When you come in to visit the team at Nusblatt Dental, we’ll address your pain and figure out whether bruxism is the culprit. We can also help you prevent your teeth grinding from turning into a serious TMJ disorder.
Ways to address bruxism
Dr. Nusblatt offers a variety of therapies for this common dental problem.
He may recommend a custom mouth guard for you to wear overnight to combat night-time teeth grinding. These keep your jaw stabilized and provide a barrier to keep the top and bottom teeth apart that minimizes pressure. They help relax your chewing muscles while you sleep, lessening morning headaches and overall wear-and-tear on your teeth.
Similarly, splints, made of hard or soft materials, fit atop your teeth. They work to stabilize your temporomandibular joints, help correct your bite, and alleviate pressure on the joints and surrounding muscles.
Dr. Nusblatt also may recommend Botox® injections that temporarily freeze and relax the muscles around your temporomandibular joints.
If you have damage from teeth grinding, our team can reshape your teeth, modifying worn down chewing surfaces, or affix a dental crown to correct damage.
Tips to minimize teeth grinding
Alternative therapies, from stress management and meditation to jaw relaxation and biofeedback, may help you keep your teeth grinding from turning into TMJ.
Lifestyle changes
Aside from dental intervention like splinting, certain lifestyle changes may also reduce grinding:
- Avoid caffeinated beverages in the evening
- Don't smoke, or get help to quit
- Get help, if necessary, for sleep apnea, which can make matters worse.
Taking a break from your daily routine to roll your shoulders and neck can also help ease a tight jaw.
Mind/body techniques
Certain holistic therapies, such as yoga and massage, help relax your whole body, jaw included. You can also practice mouth exercises. For example, hold the tip of your tongue to the back of your front teeth, which releases tension in your chewing muscles.
Avoiding certain foods may help, as well, such as:
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Hard candy
- Sticky taffy and caramels
- Gum
Even vitamin deficiencies have been shown to increase bruxism. To address this, increase your intake of fiber, magnesium and calcium through diet or supplements.
“To sleep, perchance to dream” and not to chew
Shakespeare said it best. The better your sleep, the healthier your life. Simple changes can make a world of difference.
- Maintain a peaceful sleep environment
- Go to bed around the same time each night
- Exercise regularly, but not right before bed
- Avoid alcohol at night
- Stop using your electronic devices an hour or more before sleep
- Don’t watch television in bed
Fortunately, you can control some of the factors that contribute to TMJ disorders. Other issues, such as jaw injuries, arthritis and fibromyalgia, remain more difficult to resolve. But our team can help. As a last resort, we may recommend surgery for joint replacement.
Should you need assistance with teeth grinding or a TMJ disorder, Dr. Nusblatt faces your problem head on. Simply call Nusblatt Dental at 212-651-1605 or schedule an appointment online today.
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