You may have a TMJ disorder without knowing it. And the reason for your problem may be an issue you think you can’t fix — grinding your teeth in your sleep.

Fortunately, help is available, and it may be closer than you think. Orthodontic Alliances has three locations in Indiana:

  • Michigan City – 219-809-6584
  • Portage – 219-841-7795
  • St. John -219-440-6512

Call today to schedule an appointment if you have concerns about TMJ. Let’s work together to find a solution for you.

A Bad Day With TMJ

You wake up with a pounding headache. In fact, it was the headache that caused you to wake up. You roll out of bed and find some headache medicine. This isn’t the first time you’ve woken up with a headache, either.

After getting ready, you decide to stop by your favorite coffee shop for a quick breakfast. At least, that was your plan. When you took a bite of your bagel, it became pretty clear you wouldn’t be eating the rest. The taste was great, but your jaw was so sore after chewing that bite that you couldn’t finish the rest.

You got another surprise when you sipped your coffee. Your teeth seemed to ache as the coffee washed over them.

Later that morning, you are supposed to give a presentation. Everything seems to be going well at the start. But after talking for 10 minutes straight, your jaw and face are feeling sore.

Hopefully, you won’t have a day like that anytime soon. The symptoms, however, are common for people with TMJ problems. If you grind your teeth in your sleep, morning headaches and earaches can occur far more often than you would like. The stress on your jaw joints and nearby muscles can make eating painful as well. Likewise, the strain on your jaw can make more activities, like talking, lead to soreness.

So what about the sensitive teeth? Well, teeth grinding can wear down the enamel of your teeth. This can lead to cracks that could increase your risk of tooth decay and infections.

Treating Teeth Grinding

If you grind your teeth in your sleep, how can you stop yourself?

The immediate treatment involves a custom-made oral appliance that you wear while you sleep. With this appliance, you have a barrier between your top and bottom teeth. This prevents them from grinding against one another.

This appliance has another benefit as well. It can hold your jaw in a more relaxed position, which can alleviate the stress and strain on your jaw joint.

It’s also possible that the alignment of your teeth themselves ar a factor in your TMJ. If that’s the case, we can plan an orthodontic treatment to reduce your long-term risk of more damage.

Stop The Pain

Anyone who has had a TMJ disorder is aware of how painful they can be. Teeth grinding remains one of the most common causes of this condition.

Seek help if you suspect this is an issue for you. Call Orthodontic Alliances today to make an appointment.

To reach us, call the office closest to you or contact us online.