Do you ever wake up with a stiff jaw, dull headaches, or notice wear on your teeth you can't explain? You might be dealing with bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) or a TMJ disorder. These conditions often sneak up quietly, but if left untreated, they can lead to significant discomfort or long-term damage.

Did You Know?

• TMJ disorders affect approximately 25 - 30% of the population across North America, including Canada.
• The Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recognized TMJ dysfunction as a common condition impacting jaw movement and quality of life.
• 90% of patients seeking treatment are women of childbearing age, and TMDs may coexist with 30+ other health conditions, including migraines, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Bruxism: Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Bruxism can occur while you're awake - often triggered by stress or intense focus - or while you sleep. Common causes include:

• Stress, anxiety, or poor sleep quality
• Misaligned bite or teeth
• Certain medications or habits (e.g., nail-biting, chewing pens)

Over time, grinding puts extra pressure on your teeth and jaw joints, which can cause discomfort and enamel wear.

TMJ Disorders: More Common Than You Think

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your jaw to your skull, and dysfunction here can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving your jaw. Millions of Canadians experience this regularly.

Signs to Watch For:

• Jaw soreness or stiffness, especially in the morning
• Headaches or facial pain
• Earaches or a "full" feeling in the ears
• Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
• Tooth sensitivity or flattening
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it's a good idea to bring them up at your next dental visit.

How It's Diagnosed

At our office, TMD is diagnosed using a comprehensive approach that includes a review of the patient's medical history, a thorough physical examination, computerized diagnostics, and imaging when necessary. Our principal dentist, Dr. Lawrence Freedman, carefully evaluates jaw movement, listens for joint sounds such as clicking or popping, and checks for areas of muscle or joint tenderness. In more complex cases, advanced diagnostic tools—such as panoramic X-rays, CBCT scans, or MRI—may be recommended to obtain a detailed view of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures.

How It's Treated

Treatment for TMD is tailored to each patient and often combines several approaches to reduce strain, relieve symptoms, and protect your smile:

• Root Cause Treatment: Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of TMD rather than just managing symptoms.
• Custom Nightguard: A nightguard designed to minimize clenching and grinding to protect your teeth, bones, and gums.
• Appliance Therapy: A custom-fitted day appliance for more complex cases.
• Stress Management: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or jaw exercises.
• Physiotherapy or Medication: To ease muscle pain or reduce inflammation.

Most importantly, managing stress and building small daily habits—like keeping your lips together, teeth slightly apart, and jaw relaxed—can make a big difference.

Teeth grinding and TMJ pain are not just isolated dental issues; they reflect the complex interactions between your muscles, joints, bite alignment, and daily stress. With early recognition and a comprehensive, patient-centered plan—including self-care, mouthguards, behavioral strategies, and, if needed, medical or dental interventions—you can protect your teeth, ease jaw discomfort, and restore comfort.

If you're experiencing jaw soreness, headaches, or signs of tooth wear, schedule a consultation with our dental team today!