The Hidden Link Between Teeth Grinding and TMJ Pain: What You Should Know
Do you wake up with a sore jaw or unexplained headaches? You might be grinding your teeth at night—often without realizing it. Known as bruxism, this condition can wear down your teeth and create stress on your jaw over time. At Evergreen Dental Wellness, Dr. Gyu Hwang takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to dental health that includes identifying and treating the causes of bruxism and its relationship to TMJ disorder. Understanding how these issues are connected can help you find relief and prevent long-term damage.
Here are five common questions about the connection between bruxism and TMJ and how effective treatment is provided:
What causes people to grind their teeth? Is it always a problem?
Teeth grinding can occur during the day or at night, and many people are unaware that they are doing it. It is often related to stress, poor bite alignment, or even sleep disturbances. While occasional grinding might not be a serious concern, consistent grinding can lead to pain in the jaw and damage to the teeth. Over time, it can strain the joints that control jaw movement and lead to more complex conditions like TMJ disorder.
How does chronic grinding affect the jaw joint?
When you clench or grind your teeth frequently, you place repeated pressure on the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that allows your jaw to move smoothly. This constant stress can cause inflammation, joint stiffness, and pain. If left untreated, grinding can lead to a misaligned bite or restricted jaw movement, both of which are common signs of TMJ dysfunction. That’s why it’s important to recognize and treat bruxism early.
What signs suggest that I may have both bruxism and TMJ disorder?
Many patients report waking up with tightness in the jaw, ongoing facial tension, or discomfort when chewing. Headaches, ear pain, and tooth sensitivity are also common. You might even notice your teeth becoming flat or chipped. If you hear clicking or popping noises when opening your mouth, that could be a sign that your jaw joints are under stress. A detailed evaluation with our team can help confirm whether both conditions are present.
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Can long-term teeth grinding cause permanent damage?
Yes. Over time, grinding can weaken enamel, crack fillings or crowns, and change the shape of your bite. This ongoing damage can also worsen TMJ-related symptoms and lead to chronic jaw pain. At Evergreen Dental Wellness, we focus on prevention and conservative treatment to help patients avoid more invasive procedures. Identifying the cause early is key to stopping the cycle of damage.
How does Dr. Hwang treat grinding and TMJ issues holistically?
Dr. Hwang provides individualized care that looks at the full picture, not just the symptoms. Treatment may include custom-made night guards to reduce pressure on the teeth and joints, recommendations for stress management, or guidance on improving sleep quality. At our practice, the approach is mercury-free and focused on whole-body wellness. You’ll receive care that supports your long-term oral and overall health.
If you suspect that grinding your teeth is causing jaw pain or discomfort, help is just a call away. Our team at Evergreen Dental Wellness offers gentle, thoughtful care rooted in holistic principles. To schedule an appointment or learn more about TMJ and bruxism treatment, call 703-215-9630 today.
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