Teeth Grinding TMJ London

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) TMJ London

Bruxism is a dental condition that involves excessive teeth grinding, gnashing, or jaw clenching. If you suffer from bruxism, you may unconsciously clench or grind your teeth while you are awake, or experience teeth grinding in your sleep. 

Sleep bruxism (grinding teeth in sleep) is considered a sleep-related movement disorder and is more likely to be alongside other sleep disorders, such as snoring and sleep apnea (pauses in breathing). 

Treatment may not be needed for mild bruxism, however, in some cases where bruxism is more frequent and severe, it can lead to headaches, jaw disorders, damaged teeth, as well as many other problems. 

It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of sleep bruxism and receive regular dental care before complications start to develop.

Bruxism London - Ravenscourt Dental Practice

Symptoms of Bruxism in London

Here are some of the main signs and symptoms of bruxism to keep an eye out for:

  • Loud teeth grinding may wake up a partner. 
  • Fractured, chipped, or loose teeth. 
  • Worn tooth enamel that exposes deeper layers of the tooth. 
  • Heightened tooth pain or sensitivity. 
  • Tight or tired jaw muscles. 
  • Ear pain. 
  • Dull headache starting in the temples. 
  • Disrupted sleep. 

The effects on the muscles with TMJ London - Ravenscourt Dental Practice

Treatment for Bruxism, TMJ London

Cerezen is a unique, pioneering medical treatment that effectively treats TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) as a result of Bruxism. It helps relieve associated symptoms such as teeth grinding, jaw clenching and pain, and severe tension headaches. Cerezen is clinically effective and safe to use. They are custom-made, discreet, hollow inserts, worn in the ears, and can be worn day and night.

Cerezen treatment for TMJ London - Ravenscourt Dental Practice

How Does It Help With Bruxism?

The Cerezen device acts in a unique way to treat the symptoms associated with Bruxism:

  • The device acts to provide biofeedback to the chewing muscular system.
  • While you are wearing your customised Cerezen device, the ear canal shape changes to that usually presented in an open jaw position.
  • This provides subtle feedback to break the cycle of jaw clenching and teeth grinding and encourages you to relax your jaw.
  • It reduces pressure and strain on the jaw joint.  Therefore alleviating many of the Bruxism and TMJ London symptoms you may be experiencing, such as jaw clenching and grinding teeth. 

It is believed the device provides physical support for the temporomandibular joint when worn.  Evidence of this physical support was that many patients who were experiencing popping and grating of the jaw felt an immediate reduction in these symptoms.

Effect on the joints from TMJ London - Ravenscourt Dental Practice

How To Stop Grinding Teeth

There are other ways to help reduce teeth grinding and TMJ London that you can do at home:

  • Avoid alcohol - too much consumption can intensify teeth grinding. 
  • Cut back on drinks and foods that contain caffeine such as coffee, chocolate, and soda drinks. 
  • Don’t chew objects such as pens or pencils.
  • Avoid chewing gum. 
  • Position the tip of your tongue between your teeth if you find it difficult to stop your teeth grinding. 
  • Relax your jaw muscles at night by positioning a warm washcloth against your cheek and in front of your earlobe. 

To find out more about how you can treat or eliminate teeth grinding and TMJ London. Get in touch with one of our team members on 0208 748 4023, or book an online appointment.

TMJ FAQs

Stress and anxiety are the top two culprits of bruxism (the technical term for teeth grinding) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, but there are many other contributing factors. Some of these include: • Missing or misaligned teeth • Medications – like certain anti-depressants, for example • Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or sleep paralysis • Medical conditions like Parkinson’s, dementia and epilepsy • Smoking, drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs • Excessive tea and coffee drinking • Genetics If you’re concerned about teeth grinding , don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts to find out more about how we can help relieve your symptoms. And if you need treatment for TMJ in London, be sure to book an appointment at our dental practice.
There are many short- and long-term symptoms associated with grinding your teeth. Short-term symptoms can include: • Inflamed, receding gums • Sensitive teeth • Headaches, earaches and toothaches • Stiffness in the facial muscles, neck and shoulders • Sleep deprivation Long-term symptoms can include: • Cracked or broken teeth • Extreme enamel wear • Changes to your face shape • An altered bite • TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction This type of damage can be costly to repair, which is why it's so important to seek treatment for bruxism as early as possible.
If your teeth are damaged as a result of excessive teeth grinding, the good news is that there are plenty of treatment options that can help restore a healthy smile. If you’ve developed TMJ dysfunction, we can help by providing a Cerezen device to help relieve your symptoms. You may wish to undergo orthodontic treatment to correct any misaligned teeth or need to have crowns or fillings to repair damaged ones. If your teeth have been worn down as a result of bruxism, our dentists may recommend replacing them with dental implants. To find out more about how we can help restore your smile and to discuss your treatment options, give our experts a call on 020 8748 4023.
Here at Ravenscourt Dental Practice, the dental health and wellbeing of our patients are our top priorities. We understand that no two patients are the same, and our holistic approach to dental care allows us to treat those who come to us as individuals, rather than just simply examining their teeth and gums. We’ve been treating patients at our award-winning dental practice in West London for over 20 years. Using this approach, combined with the most up-to-date advanced treatment techniques, we’ve helped them achieve healthy, happy smiles. To discuss treatment options for teeth grinding and TMJ in London give our experts a call, or send us a message via our online contact form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
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