Baltimore Dental Co.

TEETH GRINDING & TMJ TREATMENT

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

Baltimore Dental Co.

TEETH GRINDING & TMJ TREATMENT

TEETH GRINDING & TMJ TREATMENT

Nighttime teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common sleep disorder that can lead to significant dental problems and TMJ disorders and is a condition we frequently treat at our Glyndon, Maryland, dental office. Often, individuals are unaware they grind their teeth and experience a range of symptoms, including jaw joint pain, tension headaches, migraines, tender teeth, or ringing in the ear, all of which can indicate a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). These symptoms can arise from various factors, including teeth grinding, clenching, habits, anatomy, and posture. Our team at Baltimore Dental Co. is dedicated to reviewing your symptoms, identifying the underlying causes of your pain, and developing an effective TMD treatment plan. Conveniently located in Glyndon, MD, we proudly serve patients throughout Baltimore County and surrounding communities, providing comprehensive care to address teeth grinding and related concerns.

TEETH GRINDING & TMJ TREATMENT

Nighttime teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common sleep disorder that can lead to significant dental problems and TMJ disorders and is a condition we frequently treat at our Glyndon, Maryland, dental office. Often, individuals are unaware they grind their teeth and experience a range of symptoms, including jaw joint pain, tension headaches, migraines, tender teeth, or ringing in the ear, all of which can indicate a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). These symptoms can arise from various factors, including teeth grinding, clenching, habits, anatomy, and posture. Our team at Baltimore Dental Co. is dedicated to reviewing your symptoms, identifying the underlying causes of your pain, and developing an effective TMD treatment plan. Conveniently located in Glyndon, MD, we proudly serve patients throughout Baltimore County and surrounding communities, providing comprehensive care to address teeth grinding and related concerns.

WHAT IS BRUXISM AND WHAT CAUSES IT?

Bruxism is a medical condition that affects people who grind their teeth or clench their jaws very hard. It affects children and adults; however, children tend to grow out of it as they get older. Some people have symptoms, while others do not.


It may be difficult to pinpoint what is causing your teeth to grind. The exact cause seems to be linked to several factors, including physical, genetic, and psychological factors. While an excess of life stress, acid reflux, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders can lead to teeth grinding, it can also be caused by an abnormal bite and missing teeth. TMJ disorders are a common problem we treat that can lead to bruxism.

SIGNS OF TEETH GRINDING

It is hard for patients to grind their teeth and not show any signs or symptoms. There are typically some telling signs that it is occurring. Even if you grind your teeth strictly at night, there are some obvious symptoms that you may be overlooking. The common symptoms of teeth grinding include:

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Frequent Morning Headaches

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Obvious Worn Down Teeth

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Sensitive Teeth

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Ear Pain or Pain on the Side of Your Face

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Painful Jaw Joints or Sore and Tight Jaw Muscles

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Damage to the Tissue on the Inside of Your Mouth

In most cases, your dentist can diagnose bruxism. Even if you are unaware that you are grinding your teeth, your dentist can see the damage it is doing to your teeth. This is simply another reason why regular dental checkups every six months are vital to your oral health.

TREATMENT FOR TEETH GRINDING IN BALTIMORE COUNTY

Finding the proper treatment for bruxism is vital for preventing long-term damage to your teeth and jaw joints. Baltimore Dental Co. offers several treatments to help with your teeth grinding. 


A custom-fitted nightguard, created from precise digital scans, offers essential protection against nighttime teeth grinding and clenching. It eliminates stress on the jaw joints, relieving TMD symptoms and preventing tooth damage. 


In addition to nightguards, we address the underlying causes of teeth grinding and TMJ issues through bite alignment therapy. Malocclusion, or an unaligned bite, can contribute to these problems, and by correcting the bite, we can often eliminate grinding and clenching. Our practice offers several treatments to achieve proper bite alignment, including SureSmile® clear aligners, porcelain veneers, and dental crowns, providing comprehensive solutions for patients seeking relief.

TREATMENT FOR TEETH GRINDING IN BALTIMORE COUNTY

Finding the proper treatment for bruxism is vital for preventing long-term damage to your teeth and jaw joints. Baltimore Dental Co. offers several treatments to help with your teeth grinding. 


A custom-fitted nightguard, created from precise digital scans, offers essential protection against nighttime teeth grinding and clenching. It eliminates stress on the jaw joints, relieving TMD symptoms and preventing tooth damage. 


In addition to nightguards, we address the underlying causes of teeth grinding and TMJ issues through bite alignment therapy. Malocclusion, or an unaligned bite, can contribute to these problems, and by correcting the bite, we can often eliminate grinding and clenching. Our practice offers several treatments to achieve proper bite alignment, including SureSmile® clear aligners, porcelain veneers, and dental crowns, providing comprehensive solutions for patients seeking relief.

ABOUT TMJ DISORDERS

TMJ disorders (TMD) can be triggered due to a variety of underlying dental concerns. Bruxism, the unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, is a key contributor to TMD. Additionally, if you have misaligned teeth or are missing teeth, you are at a higher risk of developing TMD as these issues place uneven pressure on the temporomandibular joints. 


However, teeth grinding and jaw problems can be caused by more than just crooked teeth. Stress, injuries to your head or jaw, and health problems like arthritis can also play a role. Habits like biting your nails or chewing on pens can contribute to these issues. Because there are so many possible causes, it's important to figure out exactly what's causing your problem so we can find the best way to help you.

ABOUT TMJ DISORDERS

TMJ disorders (TMD) can be triggered due to a variety of underlying dental concerns. Bruxism, the unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, is a key contributor to TMD. Additionally, if you have misaligned teeth or are missing teeth, you are at a higher risk of developing TMD as these issues place uneven pressure on the temporomandibular joints. 


However, teeth grinding and jaw problems can be caused by more than just crooked teeth. Stress, injuries to your head or jaw, and health problems like arthritis can also play a role. Habits like biting your nails or chewing on pens can contribute to these issues. Because there are so many possible causes, it's important to figure out exactly what's causing your problem so we can find the best way to help you.

TMD SYMPTOMS

When visiting our office for a comprehensive examination, the Baltimore Dental Co. team will evaluate your temporomandibular joints for signs and symptoms that may require additional attention. While jaw pain and tension headaches are frequently associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a range of other symptoms can indicate its presence. These include pain or tenderness in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, clicking, popping, or grating sounds during jaw movement, discomfort or difficulty opening or closing the mouth, and momentary jaw locking. Additionally, individuals may experience pain in the face, ears, or neck, frequent headaches resembling tension or migraines, ear pain or discomfort, changes in bite alignment, soreness or tightness in jaw muscles, and discomfort or pain while chewing or upon waking. Recognizing these diverse symptoms is crucial for early detection and effective management of TMD.


Symptoms can vary in severity and may be temporary or persistent. It is common for the symptoms to be worse when waking or immediately following a stressful event. If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, it is advisable to discuss these concerns with a dentist or healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management.

TMJ DISORDER TREATMENT WITH BOTOX® IN BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD

The treatment plan for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is tailored to the specific underlying cause of the disorder, often involving a combination of approaches. These may include restorative dentistry to repair or replace damaged teeth, clear aligner therapy to correct a traumatic bite, the fabrication of a custom nightguard to maintain a healthy jaw position during sleep, Botox® injections strategically placed in the masseter and temporalis muscles for rapid pain relief from TMD-related muscle discomfort and headaches, and myofascial therapy to promote better oral health habits. Ultimately, the most effective treatment strategy is a personalized plan to address your unique needs and symptoms.

TMJ DISORDER TREATMENT WITH BOTOX® IN BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD

The treatment plan for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is tailored to the specific underlying cause of the disorder, often involving a combination of approaches. These may include restorative dentistry to repair or replace damaged teeth, clear aligner therapy to correct a traumatic bite, the fabrication of a custom nightguard to maintain a healthy jaw position during sleep, Botox® injections strategically placed in the masseter and temporalis muscles for rapid pain relief from TMD-related muscle discomfort and headaches, and myofascial therapy to promote better oral health habits. Ultimately, the most effective treatment strategy is a personalized plan to address your unique needs and symptoms.

TMJ DISORDER TREATMENT WITH BOTOX® IN BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD

The treatment plan for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is tailored to the specific underlying cause of the disorder, often involving a combination of approaches. These may include restorative dentistry to repair or replace damaged teeth, clear aligner therapy to correct a traumatic bite, the fabrication of a custom nightguard to maintain a healthy jaw position during sleep, Botox® injections strategically placed in the masseter and temporalis muscles for rapid pain relief from TMD-related muscle discomfort and headaches, and myofascial therapy to promote better oral health habits. Ultimately, the most effective treatment strategy is a personalized plan to address your unique needs and symptoms.

CUSTOM NIGHTGUARDS

CUSTOM NIGHTGUARDS

A nightguard is a custom oral appliance that we recommend if you are struggling with jaw discomfort, clinching, grinding, or wearing facets on the biting surface of your teeth. Over time, this will cause damage to your teeth and jaw joints. For many patients, this occurs at night, and are unaware of the issue. A nightguard is a great treatment option to stabilize the jaw and prevent the teeth from making contact.

CUSTOM NIGHTGUARDS

CUSTOM NIGHTGUARDS

A nightguard is a custom oral appliance that we recommend if you are struggling with jaw discomfort, clinching, grinding, or wearing facets on the biting surface of your teeth. Over time, this will cause damage to your teeth and jaw joints. For many patients, this occurs at night, and are unaware of the issue. A nightguard is a great treatment option to stabilize the jaw and prevent the teeth from making contact.

CUSTOM NIGHTGUARD FAQS

The Baltimore Dental Co. team is always happy to answer any questions about this oral appliance that you might have. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about custom mouthguards:

  • How Do I Get Fitted For A Nightguard?

    At Baltimore Dental Co., we have the most modern technology to make this process simple. A team member will use an intraoral scanner to take thousands of photos of your teeth that will be stitched together to create a digital 3D model of your teeth. This first appointment will only take a few minutes. Your 3D model will be sent to our laboratory to be printed, mounted to your particular bite, and used to fabricate the nightguard. It takes the lab 1-to-2 weeks to complete this process. You will return for a 20-to-30-minute appointment where the dentist will try on your custom nightguard, check your comfort level while using the appliance, and make any necessary modifications.

  • How Can A Nightguard Help With My Teeth Grinding?

    If you are experiencing teeth grinding, a custom nightguard will protect your teeth as you sleep. It eliminates stress on the jaw joints, relieving TMD symptoms and preventing tooth damage.

  • How Can Nightguards Help My TMJ Disorder?

    Custom nightguards can help treat TMD by holding your mouth in a healthier resting position as you sleep. By separating the teeth, the nightguard will prevent the muscles from being able to apply the pressure that causes your discomfort.

  • How Long Do Custom Nightguards Last?

    We hope that your custom nightguard lasts at least 3 to 5 years. Some of our patients have made their nightguards last much longer than this. It comes down to how you care for it, the frequency of wear, and how strong your unique case of bruxism is.

  • Why Is A Custom Nightguard Better Than One From The Pharmacy?

    A custom nightguard is constructed to fit securely over your teeth. These custom nightguards only lay on either the top or the bottom teeth. Over-the-counter nightguards are generally very thick, sit on both the top and bottom teeth, loosely fit to your mouth, and will wear out much faster than a custom nightguard.

  • How Should I Take Care Of My Nightguard?

    At Baltimore Dental Co., we will educate you on proper nightguard care. It is important to clean your custom nightguard each day with mild hand soap and a toothbrush. You can even use a denture brush with stronger bristles and a better shape for the hard-to-reach areas. Bring your nightguard to your appointments and we will clean it in our ultrasonic cleaning unit – like a jewelry cleaning device. We will also recommend brands of at-home ultrasonic cleaners we have tested. Nightguards should not be cleaned with abrasive toothpaste or soaked in alcohol-based mouth rinses. The nightguard material will warp if exposed to extreme heat, so it is best not to place it in boiling water or leave it in a hot car.


    To get started, schedule an appointment by calling 410.220.4680 or request an appointment online.

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT IN BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD TODAY

If you're experiencing symptoms of a TMJ disorder or suspect you're grinding your teeth, don't hesitate to seek treatment. At Baltimore Dental Co., we prioritize your comfort and offer a range of solutions to address these concerns. To minimize discomfort and explore treatment options, please request an appointment online or call our office today at 410-833-4664.  We're eager to help you find relief as soon as possible.