Rambla Principal nº 10 bis, 1º 3ª, Vilanova i la Geltrú

Telf. 93 893 95 62

Dentista Vilanova – Clínica Dental Álvarez

Dentista Vilanova

TMJ disorders and bruxism

There is a number of conditions related to the temporomanibluar joint or TMJ, the structure that connects the jaw with the rest of the cranium. Its most frequent symptoms are pain located near the ears or in the chewing muscles along with noise when opening or closing the mouth or it can occasionally present difficulty or blocking when opening or closing the mouth.

The most frequent causes of TMJ disorders are bad habits that make the articulation work too much. Examples of bad habits are: biting nails, chewing gum and biting pens or pencils. Excessive stress and bruxism also play an important role.

Bruxism consists in grinding and clenching teeth involuntarily during the night or even at daytime. It is estimated that about an 80% of the population have it at some point of their life.

Its consequences can be chewing muscles contraction; pain located in the TMJ (near the ear) and in long term it can produce tooth wear or even fractures that may cause teeth loss.

To treat this pathology is very important to do a correct diagnosis of the patient in order to know what causes it in order to correct it. In cases where there is intense pain anti-inflammatory medication can be used and in some cases physiotherapy or using an oclusal splint will be recommended.

An oclusal splint is a transparent cover made of resin that is used during the night to make teeth correspond with the ones in the opposite arc in a way that the TMJ isn’t forced. Thanks to this the chewing muscles are relaxed and grinding and clenching is avoided. This will make the patient feel more relaxed and it will prevent tooth wear.

Frequent questions:

Is normal that now and then some noises are made when opening or closing your mouth, but if these noises come along with other symptoms such as pain or difficulty to open or close your mouth you should visit a specialist to know if there is some kind of TMJ disfunction.

Bruxism consists in grinding and clenching teeth involuntarily during the night or even at daytime. It is estimated that about an 80% of the population have it at some point of their life.

To treat this pathology is very important to do a correct diagnosis of the patient in order to know what causes it in order to correct it. In cases where there is intense pain anti-inflammatory medication can be used and in some cases physiotherapy or using an oclusal splint will be recommended.

An oclusal splint is a transparent cover made of resin that is used during the night to make teeth correspond with the ones in the opposite arc in a way that the TMJ isn’t forced. Thanks to this the chewing muscles are relaxed and grinding and clenching is avoided. This will make the patient feel more relaxed and it will prevent tooth wear.

Scroll to top