TMJ & bruxism

Neuromuscular dentistry is a medical paradigm in which TM Joints, masticatory muscles and central nervous system mechanisms follow generic physiologic and anatomic laws applicable to all musculoskeletal systems. It is a treatment modality of dentistry that objectively focuses on correcting misalignment of the jaw at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Neuromuscular dentistry acknowledges the multi-facted musculoskeletal occlusal signs and symptoms that relates to postural problems involving the lower jaw and cervical region. Neuromuscular dentistry recognizes the need to solve the root of the misalignment problem(s) by understanding the relationships of the tissues which include the muscles, teeth, temporomandibular joints, and nerves. In short, neuromuscular dentistry and technology add objective data and understanding to previous mechanical models of occlusion.
Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder
(TMD) are claimed to include:

• Headaches / migraines
• Facial pain
• Back, neck and shoulder pain
• Tinnitus (Ringing in the ears)
• Vertigo (dizziness)
• Trigeminal neuralgia (Tic douloureux), a neuropathic pain disorder unrelated to TMD
• Bell’s Palsy, a nerve disorder unrelated to TMD
• Sensitive and sore teeth
• Jaw pain
• Limited jaw movement or locking jaw
• Numbness in the fingers and arms (related to the cervical musculature and nerves, not to TMD)
• Worn or cracked teeth
• Clicking or popping in the jaw joints
• Jaw Joint pain
• Clenching/bruxing
• Tender sensitive teeth
• A limited opening or inability to open the mouth comfortably
• Deviation of the jaw to one side
• The jaw locking open or closed
• Postural problems (forward head posture)
• Pain in the joint(s) or face when opening or closing the mouth, yawning, or chewing
• Pain in the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joints
• Pain in the occipital (back), temporal (side), frontal (front), or infra-orbital (below the eyes) portions of the head
• Pain behind the eyes
• Swelling on the side of the face and/or mouth
• A bite that feels uncomfortable, “off”, or as if it is continually changing
• Older Bells palsy

Millions of adults suffer from bruxism without even realizing it.
Basically, bruxism, is a common affliction that approximately 10% to 50% of the adult population suffers from. Mainly due to bruxism being a subconscious aliment. Most sufferers do not realize teeth grinding is occurring unless a spouse or partner discloses the problem.
Bruxism is the basic grinding of the upper set of teeth against the lower set of teeth. In doing so, a person subconsciously clenches the jaw into a tight hold. This commonly occurs at night during sleep. One of the painful results of bruxism, is awaking to tender muscles in the facial area. This set of sore muscles is responsible for chewing food throughout the day. As a result of bruxism, this same set of muscles is overworked during the nighttime hours. Therefore, it never receives a break. While pain begins in this muscle area, often it formulates into headache pain, jaw pain or earaches during the day.
Another painful result of bruxism is the cosmetic damaged caused by nightly teeth grinding. Here, the teeth are grounded down over a period of time at uneven levels across the jaw line. This causes some teeth to be shorter than others. It also causes teeth to become uneven. The end result is an unbalance in the mouth that impairs regular eating and tooth brushing maintenance.
Existing dental work can also become impaired by bruxism. Over time, the grinding wears away tooth enamel. This leaves a tooth vulnerable to exposure inside the mouth. The common complaint of teeth sensitivity is a direct result of this. The amount of bite pressure placed on grinding teeth causes the teeth and existing fillings to crack. A dental problem known as Temporomandibular Joint Damage (TMJ) occurs when the joint between the upper and lower jaws is impaired. Constant grinding of the jaw bones wears this joint out over time resulting in TMJ.
We treat bruxism, by the placement of a plastic mouth guard in a person’s mouth. This mouth guard is worn at night when the grinding occurs. It prevents the upper and lower jaws from clenching together. Further damage to the teeth is spared as the mouth guard bears the brunt of nightly grinding. Additionally, the dentist will demonstrate to a person the proper placement of the tongue and teeth before sleep. This will attempt to alleviate the bruxism.But stress, poor nutritional diet, facial trauma, allergies and problems with the nervous system are all factors believed to precede the onset of bruxism. Adult sufferers have exhibited the greatest occurrences when stressed in areas of personal, professional and physical aspects of life. For this reason we will turn to areas of stress management as the first course of treatment. It becomes essential that bruxism sufferers find ways to alleviate stressA holistic dentist will also suggest deep breathing techniques, daily meditations and other body calming activities as treatments.