Treatments for bruxism and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems
Keeping both teeth and gums in good condition may not just be a matter of oral hygiene. It is possible that even if you carry out a good dental cleaning at home, go to your regular check-ups and have your teeth and gums professionally cleaned, your teeth and gums may still suffer from wear and tear, sensitivity and it may even be your jaw and jaw muscles that are sore.
The fact is that, generally, due to stress, it is possible to exert an exaggerated tension on the temporomandibular joint, a disorder that can have consequences on oral health and which we know as bruxism.
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What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for the involuntary habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, mostly during sleep. It is a pathology suffered by approximately 50% of the population, although many people do not know they suffer from it and are unaware of the negative consequences it has. In fact, many of our patients are aware of the onset of this problem when they present some of the following symptoms:
Bruxism treatment in Mallorca:
Worn or chipped teeth
Damage to tooth enamel, exposing the inner part of the tooth (dentine)
Face and jaw muscle tension
Crunching or clicking in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Increased tooth sensitivity
Headaches, neck or shoulders
Jaw dislocation
Language Indentations
Gum inflammation or recession
Inner cheek damage
Salivary gland diseases
Airway obstructions or snoring
What are the causes of bruxism?
The causes of bruxism can be very varied and can be due to external, internal and psychological factors. The main reasons for the appearance of this pathology are:
- Stress and anxiety, usually the main cause. The restlessness of stressed patients causes bruxism to appear during sleeping hours.
- Dental malocclusion and misalignment of the teeth. An incorrect bite and alignment can affect the TMJ, leading to the appearance of this pathology.
- Periodontal disease, with an estimated 80% of patients with gum problems being more likely to be bruxers.
- Poorly seated fillings or dental prostheses can cause discomfort and facilitate the habit of grinding teeth unconsciously.
- Having a neurodegenerative disease such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy, among others, can also cause this problem.
- And poor posture. For example, in many office jobs, the head is held forward all day, straining the muscles of the face and neck.
Treatments for bruxism and TMJ problems
There are several approaches to the treatment of bruxism. The conservative dental approach to this problem involves the creation of relief splints or the application of Botox in the muscles that are responsible for moving the jaw.
But it is also possible to treat temporomandibular joint problems in some patients using orthodontics or maxillofacial surgery. Everything will depend on the diagnosis made and the specialist’s recommendations:
Typically, bruxism and TMJ disorders are treated by the fabrication and fitting of a customised unloading splint that can re-establish the balance of chewing forces and decrease the stress placed on the jaw.
An unloading splint or myorelaxation splint is an appliance or sleeve that is worn to sleep at night. It prevents activation of the muscles that cause increased force in the joint area and wear and tear on the teeth.
This treatment is carried out in several sessions. In the first session, a check-up, analysis and measurements are taken for the manufacture of the unloading splint, while in the second session, the splint is tested and any necessary adjustments are made.
There are many types of splints and, depending on the type of pathology, one or another will be necessary. It is therefore important that the specialist determines the correct type of splint according to the diagnosis made, and that the patient does not risk using an unsuitable one.
Botulinum toxin, known for its application in aesthetic medicine for the treatment of the signs of ageing, is also a substance that can be applied by microinjections into the muscles responsible for moving the jaw.
This substance, produced by bacteria, acts by weakening the muscle action. This causes a reduction in involuntary movements without affecting masticatory capacity, so that the muscle is not subjected to so much pressure.
The technique of Botox injections to treat bruxism is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure that effectively treats the problem so that the patient does not have to wear splints at night.
In short, it is a simple and immediate solution that relaxes the muscle and relieves the resulting discomfort. The only drawback is that a reapplication would be necessary after 6 or 9 months once the material is reabsorbed.
If conservative treatments do not work, especially in cases where the bite is the problem, the specialist may recommend orthodontic treatment or minimally invasive maxillofacial surgery.
Bruxism specialists in Mallorca
Dr. Emilio Martínez-Almoyna Rifá
Periodontics and postgraduate degree in Implantology.
Bachelor's degree in Medicine and Dentistry and Master's degree in Aesthetic Medicine. University expert in Periodontology and postgraduate degree in Implantology.
Dra. Cristina Martínez-Almoyna Rifá
Certified specialist in Invisalign and straight arch.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry, Master's degree in Orthodontics and postgraduate degree in Paediatric Dentistry. Certified specialist in Invisalign and straight arch.
Dra. Patricia Jorro
Specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry. Specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening. Member of the American Dental Association with extensive experience.
Dr. Jose Antonio Gramallés
Postgraduate degree in Dental Prosthetics.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry and Special Award in Conservative Dentistry. Postgraduate degree in Dental Aesthetics and Dental Prosthetics with extensive experience.
Dra. Maria Morro
Specialist in dental prosthetics.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry and Master's degree in Paediatric Dentistry and Dentofacial Orthopaedics. Specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics.
Dr. Alfonso Bonnín
Surgery, periodontics, and implant rehabilitation.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry, advanced degree in dental prosthetics, currently pursuing a master's degree in surgery, periodontics, and implant rehabilitation.
Dra. Cristina Mateu
Specialist in Conservative Dentistry
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry from ADEMA University. Specialist in Conservative Dentistry and University Expert in Endodontics with extensive experience.