It happens every morning: Despite taking ibuprofen before bed and making sure you get a good night’s sleep, you wake up with a headache. Or maybe jaw pain. Maybe even an earache. These are all indications that you may unknowingly be bruxing as you sleep. That’s not a typo, either. Not only can bruxism cause these pains, it can also lead to more severe problems and chronic pain. At The TMJ & Sleep Centre of Northern Indiana, we want you to be informed about what’s causing your jaw and facial pain so you can make the best decision when it comes to finding a treatment that works.
Bruxism Basics
Bruxism is the clinical term for clenching and grinding the teeth. Not only can this cause jaw pain, but it can literally grind down the surface of your teeth, turning them into weakened little nubs that are more susceptible to pain. The real problem is that most people have no idea that they’re clenching or grinding because they do it while they’re sleeping. If that’s the case, then how are you supposed know if you’re a nighttime bruxer? Here are the most common symptoms we tend to see:
- Headaches or facial pain
- Ear, neck, or shoulder pain
- Tired or sore jaw muscles
- Increased tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures or sweets
- Teeth that are loose, cracked, or worn down
Let Us Help!
No matter what is causing your bruxism, we can help. We use a combination of effective treatments to provide our patients with relief, including: decompression appliance therapy, physical therapy, nutritional counseling, and working in conjunction with your other health care providers. With all of those options, we are sure to find a way to end your pain and save your teeth from further damage.
No matter what you think, pain is not normal. If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms and prolong seeking treatment, you could end up with permanently damaged teeth and severely misaligned jaws, both of which will only increase your pain. If you live in Granger, Indiana or surrounding areas, and are ready to find relief from jaw pain caused by bruxism, contact our office to schedule an appointment.