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  • TMJ Pain, Bruxism in Sydney

  • TMJ Pain, Bruxism in Sydney

What is TMJ Disorder (TMD)

  • TMD, TMJ disorder, and bruxism all refer to movement disorders of the jaw. Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably
  • TMJ = temporomandibular joint
  • TMJ is a complex system of bone, muscle, cartilage, and nerves connecting your jaw to your skull
  • 2 TMJs — one on each side of the jaw
  • TMJs are responsible for controlling jaw movements that allow you to chew, swallow, and speak
  • TMD or Temporomandibular disorder can happen when one or both of TMJs becomes injured or inflamed, leading to various symptoms including popping/clicking of the jaw, nerve inflammation, headaches, locked jaw, and teeth grinding (bruxism).

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder (TMD)

  • Pain or stiffness in your jaw or neck
  • Pain in one or both of your TMJs
  • Difficulty or pain while chewing
  • Pain in and around your ear
  • Popping or clicking sounds in your jaw
  • Headaches
  • Locked jaw which makes it difficult to open or close your mouth

Types of Bruxism

  • Bruxism - when patients unconsciously grind or clench their teeth when awake or asleep. Bruxism is a movement disorder.

  • Two different movement disorders: a) Awake Bruxism - more common
  • - is related to many other common “bad habits,” such as nail-biting, chewing on a pencil or pen top, cheek biting, and jaw bracing. b) Sleep Bruxism - includes Restless Leg Syndrome and REM Behavioral Disorder
  • - can be more common in children, adolescents, and young adults
  • - can be more common in people who sleep on their backs
  • - can be more common in patients with sleep apnoea or sleepwalking

Causes of Bruxism

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep bruxism have a genetic component and tend to run in families
  • While there is a strong relationship between bruxism and TMD in patients, a causal link between the two has never been proven. For many patients, the two conditions co-exist
  • Caffeine consumption
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Certain medications
  • An imbalance in brain neurotransmitters

Symptoms of Bruxism

  • Significant damage to the teeth including chips, cracks and fractures
  • Tooth pain/ sensitivity to cold, hot, sweet, sour, chewing and brushing
  • Erosion of the tooth enamel
  • Cheek biting
  • An increased likelihood of developing TMD
  • Headache
  • Jaw dislocation
  • Locked jaw
  • Tense facial and jaw muscles

Treatments for TMD & Bruxism

  • Modification of lifestyle, diet and stress factors
  • Relaxation techniques including meditation, yoga, Pilates, gym and exercises
  • Counselling with medical doctor, psychotherapist, psychologist or psychiatrist
  • Medications
  • Occlusal splint/ night guard to protect teeth from further wear, cracks & fractures during sleep bruxism
  • Retainers to protect teeth from further wear, cracks & fractures during awake bruxism
  • Occlusal splint/ night guard for the relief of TMD symptoms &/or facial muscle pain/discomfort
  • Botox strategically injected into certain areas of your facial muscles every few months
  • Referral to specialist in orofacial pain
  • Referral to specialist for TMJ surgery as a last resort
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