Occlusion dentistry is focused on treating abnormalities in the way teeth come together during chewing, which can affect the masticatory muscles and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). A common cause of these issues is bruxism, or teeth grinding, particularly during sleep.
Sleep Bruxism: This condition involves clenching or grinding teeth while asleep, which may be noticeable by soreness in the cheeks upon waking or by someone noting the grinding sounds during sleep. The pressure exerted during sleep bruxism can be significantly greater than when awake, leading to worn, cracked teeth, and potentially causing disorders in the masticatory muscles and the temporomandibular joint.
Disorders of the Muscles and Temporomandibular Joint: The temporomandibular joint is located near each ear and connects the lower jaw (condyle) to the skull with a disc in between, facilitating smooth jaw movement. This joint, along with the chewing muscles and ligaments, is collectively known as the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Disorders associated with it are called Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD).
Symptoms of TMD include:
- Pain in the joint area (in front of the ear) and/or muscle pain in the jaws, cheeks, face, temples.
- Difficulty or pain when opening the mouth wide.
- Jaw getting stuck or making clicking sounds when moving.
- Deviation of the jaw when opening the mouth and pain during chewing.
- Some patients may also experience ear pain, headaches, or migraines.
Potential Causes of TMD:
- Malocclusion (misalignment of teeth).
- Imbalance in the masticatory system, such as after an extraction without replacement, causing adjacent and opposing teeth to shift.
- Jaw joint injuries.
- Chewing on one side causing muscle imbalance.
- Frequent chewing of hard, sticky foods or gum.
- Bruxism.
- Stress.
Treatment Approaches:
- For early-stage TMD, the dentist may recommend adjustments in diet, oral hygiene practices, or applying dental sealants.
- For more advanced cases, treatments may include dental fillings or crowns for decayed teeth, and if the decay reaches the dental pulp, root canal treatment or tooth extraction might be necessary.
- For preventive measures, patients are advised to avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods, and opt for softer foods to reduce stress on the jaw.
- Physical therapy techniques like targeted massage can help alleviate muscle pain and improve jaw function.
Patients experiencing any of these symptoms should consult a dentist for a proper diagnosis and to discuss the most appropriate treatment options, which may include using dental splints and adjustments to dental restorations to correct occlusal imbalances.
