Joint Clicking, Pain (TMD) and Grinding
Disorders of the jaw joints and muscles (‘temporomandibular dysfunction’, or ‘TMD’) can cause a variety of symptoms in the head and neck and have found to affect around thirty percent of the population.
Dentists can provide stabilising hard or cushioning soft night guards to alleviate joint pain or reduce the harmful effects grinding has on teeth. If there is a bite issue, orthodontic treatment may be recommended.
Main symptoms of TMD include; limited mouth opening, clicking or grating sounds, sore jaw (especially upon waking), facial pain or ear ache, and tooth wear.
Sleep and Grinding
The dentist or orthodontist can support better sleep by collaborating with the sleep specialist and/or medical doctor by providing oral appliances in both children and adults.