Do you wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or sensitive teeth? These common issues might be more than just minor annoyances. They could be signs of bruxism—the medical term for teeth grinding or clenching—and its close relationship with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Understanding this connection is the first step toward finding relief and protecting your long-term oral health.
At Premier Dental & Oral Health Group, Dr. Ron Massie and our team are dedicated to diagnosing and treating the root causes of jaw pain and discomfort for our patients in Lake Ozark and Osage Beach.
What is Bruxism and How Does It Affect Your Jaw?
Bruxism is a condition where you unconsciously clench, gnash, or grind your teeth. While it can happen during the day, it most often occurs during sleep. This constant, forceful pressure places immense strain on your teeth, gums, and, most importantly, the temporomandibular joints. These are the complex hinge joints on each side of your face that connect your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to talk, chew, and yawn.
When bruxism persists, the continuous stress can inflame and damage these joints, leading to a painful condition known as a temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Common signs and symptoms of bruxism include:
- Jaw, neck, or facial soreness, especially in the morning
- Tension headaches or earaches
- Teeth that appear flattened, fractured, or chipped
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Worn tooth enamel
- Clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
How Do I Know If I Have TMJ?
If the symptoms above sound familiar, you may be experiencing TMJ-related issues. Key red flags include persistent jaw pain, a jaw that locks or gets stuck, and chronic clicking sounds. The only way to know for sure is through a professional evaluation. Dr. Massie can perform a comprehensive exam and bite analysis to determine if TMJ is the cause of your discomfort.
Finding Relief: Comprehensive TMJ Treatment in Lake Ozark
The good news is that you don’t have to live with the pain. We offer several effective treatments to manage bruxism and alleviate TMJ symptoms. After a thorough diagnosis, Dr. Massie may recommend a personalized treatment plan that could include:
- Custom Bite Splints (Night Guards): A custom-fitted night guard is a comfortable, durable appliance worn while you sleep. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing grinding. More importantly, it helps position your jaw for proper alignment, which allows the muscles to relax and reduces the strain that aggravates TMJ/TMD symptoms.
- The Kois Deprogrammer: This innovative device is worn temporarily to help your jaw muscles “forget” their stressed biting patterns. It allows Dr. Massie to identify your ideal, most stable bite position, which is crucial for developing a long-term solution.
- Wisdom Teeth Removal: In some cases, impacted or crowded wisdom teeth can disrupt your bite and contribute to jaw strain. If this is a factor, removing them may be recommended to help restore harmony to your bite and relieve pressure.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Don’t let jaw pain and headaches control your life. The team at Premier Dental & Oral Health Group is here to help you find lasting relief. If you are experiencing symptoms of bruxism or TMJ in the Lake Ozark or Osage Beach areas, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ron Massie.
Contact Premier Dental & Oral Health Group:
573-365-0220
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
24 North Shore Dr.
Lake Ozark, Missouri
65049
