Jaw Disorders
Jaw Disorders
Teeth grinding can often lead to more serious jaw problems, which must be treated, or will lead to more problems in the gums, teeth, or the bone.
One of the more frequent problems with the jaw relates to the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull, allows the jaws to open, close, and allows a person to speak or chew. Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD, include clicking sounds when opening or closing as well as tooth sensitivity, and frequent headaches and neck aches. Conditions of TMD can range from pain in the jaw to dislocated jaws and arthritic conditions.
In minor cases, TMD can be treated with aspirin, muscle relaxants, biofeedback, or a small appliance worn while sleeping. More serious cases will require surgery.