Jaw clenching, or bruxism, can be caused by stress, ear problems, or teething in children. It can lead to pain, joint problems, enamel stripping, and temporomandibular joint disease (TMD). Treatment involves relaxation techniques, stretching, and massages, while mouthguards and splints can prevent damage. Other conditions with similar symptoms should be ruled out.
The main causes of jaw clenching could be related to stress, ear problems or teething in young children. Misalignment of the teeth could result in jaw clenching which leads to pain or joint problems. The exact cause of this condition is not well understood, but daytime stress could lead to teeth grinding and jaw clenching while sleeping.
Jaw clenching, called bruxism, affects the muscles in the neck, jaw and face, which may become painful. Earache and headache are other common symptoms of this disorder. Some patients who have this condition find that it strips the enamel coating on their teeth, making them sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods and drinks. Jaw clenching and teeth grinding could also cause temporomandibular joint disease (TMD).
TMD could become extremely painful with the constant clenching of the jaw putting pressure on the lower jaw joints. These joints connect to the skull in front of the ears and allow the mouth to open and close. TMD patients might hear a popping sound when they chew their food or open their mouth. Pain may be present in the head or face due to the tightening of the muscles around the joint.
Tightening leading to joint discomfort could wear down the cartilage and alter the alignment of the joint. In chronic cases, the jaw may lock when it is opened or closed. TMD could also change the way teeth are aligned in the mouth, making eating difficult and painful. Mouthguards worn at night could prevent teeth from clenching and damaging. Splints worn in the mouth might also keep the mouth relaxed during sleep.
Treatment of bruxism typically involves teaching the patient to relax their facial muscles throughout the day to relieve pressure on their joints. Stretching exercises and massages can relieve muscle tension and restore normal function. The massage might focus on trigger points, defined as uncomfortable little bumps near the jaw that develop from tension. Reducing daily stress might also reduce the amount of locks on while you sleep.
Doctors who treat this disorder typically rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. Ear infections commonly cause pain near the jaw that can be addressed with medication. Dental problems can be corrected through orthodontic procedures to realign the patient’s teeth. Poor posture, especially neck strain from long hours in a forward position, could contribute to neck, face or jaw pain from muscle strain. Working on the computer without taking breaks could lead to symptoms similar to TMD.
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