The Link Between Bruxism and TMJ Issues

Temporomandibular joint disorder, which is often referred to by the partial acronym TMJ, affects about 5-12% of the world’s population. 

This oral health concern can be painful and damaging. In this blog, board-certified dentist Dr. Linda Huang of Halls Family Dentistry in Knoxville, Tennessee, unpacks everything you need to know about Bruxism and TMJ.

If you have TMJ issues, you may experience symptoms such as a jaw that is:

• Painful
• Clicking
• Popping
• Misaligned
• Hard to open or close

Bruxism can cause TMJ Issues

If you have TMJ issues, you may also engage in a habit known as bruxism, which involves clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth. Up to 31% of women, men, and children in the United States engage in bruxism, usually unconsciously. If you grind or clench your teeth, you may experience headaches or earaches, fractured teeth, and flattened/worn teeth in addition to TMJ issues.

Interrupted sleep may be the problem

Many people who engage in bruxism and who go on to develop TMJ issues grind their teeth or clench their jaw while they’re asleep. You probably aren’t aware of your bruxism if it happens while you sleep. However, if you sleep with a partner, they may hear or witness your bruxism.

Why do you grind your teeth while you sleep? It could be stress or a sleep breathing disorder known as sleep apnea. 

If you have sleep apnea, your breathing repeatedly pauses while you sleep. You may unconsciously grind your teeth to wake yourself up and take a breath.

That means, while you’re supposed to be getting deep, restorative sleep, you’re actually stressing your jaw muscles all night long. No wonder your TMJ hurts, and your jaw can’t function optimally. This interplay between bruxism, TMJ, and sleep apnea might also explain your daytime fatigue and brain fog.

Get help with teeth grinding

If you have TMJ issues and bruxism—with or without sleep apnea— Dr. Huang you may recommend an oral appliance that acts as a mouthguard while you sleep. The appliance separates your teeth with protective layers to keep them safe. She has treated countless patients with TMJ issues, using her custom-made oral appliances.

By treating your bruxism, you improve both your TMJ and your sleep. The effects on your quality of life are profound. You have less jaw pain, less fatigue, and more energy.

Find out if bruxism is behind your TMJ issues and get relief from your jaw pain today. Book an appointment with Dr. Huang today. Call to schedule a consultation, or use our online inquiry form.