Teeth Grinding Does Worsen TMD Symptoms, Says Albuquerque Dentist

Do you often have a headache in the morning, shortly after waking? Then there’s a good chance you may suffer from teeth grinding (or bruxism). Surprisingly, many people who grind their teeth, don’t have any recollection of having such a tendency. More often than not, bruxism occurs while a person sleeps, which causes facial pain and worn-down teeth. Thankfully, Dr. Mark Miller, your Albuquerque, NM dentist has the knowledge and skill to detect the disorder and provide treatment to offer optimum relief for his patients.

What Causes Bruxism?

Teeth grinding is often due to psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, anger, and even misalignments in your upper and lower teeth, also called malocclusion. Persistent teeth grinding can cause a number of issues, including:

• Worn or cracked teeth
• Facial muscle pain
• Frequent headaches or migraines

Furthermore, most bruxism sufferers don’t realize the source of their pain because teeth grinding is typically a nighttime habit.

Though the immediate consequences may not seem dire, a long-term effect is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This condition affects the joints that connect your jaw to your skull; constant teeth grinding damages the cartilage in those joints. Additionally, TMD causes ear and facial pain, jaw popping, and even dizziness, in some cases. If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms lately, you shouldn’t delay visiting your Albuquerque, NM dentist.

Detection and Treatment

A dentist can detect the effects of teeth grinding during a routine check-up. If the dentist does find evidence of bruxism, he’ll recommend a night guard or an occlusal splint. This custom-fitted dental appliance is worn during sleep to prevent further dental damage. Dr. Miller might also suggest stress management techniques to aid in your treatment plan.

Visit Snow Park Dental for Teeth Grinding Treatment

If you think you may suffer from teeth grinding or TMD, visit your Albuquerque, NM dentist as soon as possible. With treatment, the dentist can relieve your bruxism symptoms. To schedule an appointment, call us at (505) 596-4479. Also, visit our website to view the smile gallery, print patient forms, and read reviews from loyal patients. We look forward to treating families from Rio Rancho, Corrales, Edgewood, Tijeras, Los Lunas, and surrounding communities.

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