In some cases, migraines are caused by a condition called bruxism—teeth grinding and clenching. If you suffer from bruxism in Royal Oak, MI, your dentist can help. In doing so, we can also eliminate related headaches, neck and shoulder pain and prevent tooth loss due to wear and tear.
Bruxism can also influence your jaw joint health, leading to the disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
What Causes Bruxism and What Are the Side Effects?
If you have bruxism, you grind your teeth and clench during sleep. The cause is not always apparent, but it may be linked to certain sleep conditions like apnea. Other potential causes or associations include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Jaw joint issues
- Smoking or alcohol use
- Dementia
- Genetics
- Night terrors
- Nutrition insufficiencies
It's important to remember that being diagnosed with bruxism does not mean you have an associated condition. Often, the underlying cause is not apparent.
However, treatment is crucial to avoid side effects that profoundly impact life quality.
Bruxism side effects include:
- Migraines or chronic headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Irritability
- Poor sleep
- Worn or fractured teeth
- Cavities
- Toothaches and jaw pain
- Exaggerated musculature around the lower face (boxy jaw appearance)
- TMJ issues
You do not have to exhibit all these symptoms to have bruxism. For example, in early bruxism, you may not notice any symptoms.
Your Royal Oak dentist can assess your teeth and jaw joint health during your regular dental checkup, which is why it is crucial to visit us every six months.
TMJ Symptoms in Royal Oak, MI
TMJ can occur on its own due to trauma, abnormality present at birth, or bruxism.
TMJ means the hinge-like joint connecting your lower jaw to your skull is not functioning correctly. This can be a painful condition when left untreated.
Symptoms may include:
- A clicking sound in the joint
- Jaw locking or popping
- Headache, neck, and jaw pain
- Painful chewing
In severe cases of TMJ, you may require surgery to correct a specific cause or defect.
Treating Migraines, Bruxism, and TMJ in Royal Oak
Your Royal Oak dentist has successfully treated bruxism and TMJ with a custom mouthguard—also called a nightguard or occlusal guard. At Family Dentistry of Royal Oak, we carefully customize these guards to work with the contours of your jaw and to address your specific level of bruxism or TMJ—or both!
For bruxism, your mouthguard holds your upper and lower jaws slightly apart during sleep, which prevents grinding and clenching. This also promotes healthier jawbone function by allowing the TMJ to heal during the night, reducing pressure on the joint itself. Soon, the inflammation and pain subside.
We also treat migraines with a particular device called NTI-tss plus. This small appliance fits near or at the front teeth worn during sleep. It helps relax the cycle of bruxism, TMJ, and waking with a headache!
We Are Committed to Your Well-Being
We offer both Saturday and evening hours to help patients get the care they need without disrupting their lives and schedules. We also work promptly to address conditions that threaten your oral health and well-being, offering emergency dental treatment and same-day dentistry whenever possible.
Repairing Damaged Teeth Post Bruxism Therapy
After successful treatment for bruxism, your smile may require repair. For example, if bruxism has worn down your teeth or caused any tooth loss, your Royal Oak dentist can create a treatment plan to restore your smile.
This can include general dentistry treatments to address cavities—especially if you did not seek bruxism treatment early. In addition, it can mean crowning worn teeth to give you an even bite and a healthier smile.
Post-treatment for bruxism can mean:
- Tooth-colored restorations
- Dental implants
- Bridges
- Other
Your Royal Oak Dentist will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your budget, timeframe, and lifestyle.
For Bruxism, TMJ, and Migraine Relief in Royal Oak, Contact Us
You'll find us at 2711 West Webster Road in the vicinity of Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital, and you can reach us at (248) 399-8100.
If you're experiencing migraines, jaw pain, or any of the telltale signs of bruxism and TMJ, we encourage you to arrange an appointment as soon as possible with our top Royal Oak dentist.
We proudly treat bruxism, TMJ, and migraines in all locations, including Royal Oak, Clawson, Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Southfield, Warren, Farmington Hills, and your area.