Teeth grinding and jaw clenching are common but often people may not aware that they have such habits causing damage to their teeth. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can cause excessive stress to the teeth, the supportive periodontal bone structure, surrounding muscle and temperomandibular joint. The symptoms of teeth grinding and jaw clenching are inter-related and can include: temperomandibular joint pain, toothache, tooth structural damage, ear ache, stress, and depression.
The most common triggers can be stress and depression related. There are many ways to deal with the conditions and the purpose of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, pain and damage to teeth. The treatment can be muscle relaxant, massage to the affected muscle, faithful wearing of the dental night-guard, etc. These techniques can help prevent damage to teeth. Also, it is important to learn how to cope with stress (since life can be inevitably stressful.) Surgery on the afflicted joint is the last resort to correct the dysfunctional joint.
Written by Daniel Tee, DDS, MS
Practicing Family Dentist Serving the city of Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, and Mesa in Arizona.
