TMJ Blog

Mouth guards: What You Need To Know

For those who suffer with night-time Bruxism-teeth grinding and clenching-mouthguards are the gold standard for protecting teeth from being worn away as a consequence of teeth grinding. But did you know that mouthguards do not resolve the root cause of the problem and can actually promote teeth grinding and jaw clenching?  

Scientific Report on TMD / TMJ

The National Academies report titled: Temporomandibular Disorders: Priorities for Research and Care calls on a number of healthcare professionals - across medicine, dentistry, and other fields to improve the health and well-being of individuals with TMJ disorders. This report addresses the current state of knowledge regarding TMD / TMJ research, education and training, safety and efficacy of clinical treatments of TMJ disorders, and burden and costs associated with TMJ disorders and jaw problems. The recommendations of the committee focus on the actions that many organizations and agencies should take to improve TMJ research and care and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals with TMJ jaw pain, jaw popping and other symptoms such as teeth grinding, clenching, TMJ headaches and TMJ ear pain.

TMJ Diet: Butternut Squash Dumpling Soup

Using butternut squash as the base for this soup recipe creates a sweet and nutty flavor, a creamy consistency and a bowlful of nutrients! Since it’s time consuming to cook a whole butternut squash, remove the seeds, scoop out the flesh and then puree it, this recipe calls for a prepared low-sodium butternut squash soup. Using a prepared low-sodium butternut squash soup puree makes this recipe easy to make in about 30 minutes, depending on how quick you are at washing and chopping a few vegetables. The use of the butternut squash soup puree is perfect for a soft food diet and especially for those suffering with jaw problems and TMJ pain.

TMJ Diet: Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower is delicious steamed or roasted and when cooked whole, makes an interesting table centerpiece. For those with jaw problems, including jaw pain and trouble chewing, who need to be on a soft food diet, this three-ingredient soft cauliflower recipe is ideal. Steaming and then roasting the cauliflower allows for a soft texture without sacrificing the sweet and nutty flavor of only roasting it.

Teeth Grinding At Night?

Chronic teeth grinding at night is called sleep bruxism.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is defined as repetitive jaw muscle activity characterized by clenching and/or grinding of teeth that happens involuntarily.

To brux or bruxing means to clench and/or grind your teeth.

This condition can occur during the day or while sleeping and affects adults and children.

Causes of Bruxism

• Abnormal alignment of the jaw
• Situational anxiety
• Stress
• Intense concentration 
• Certain type of antidepressant medication

Bruxism Can Lead to Other Problems

• Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders
• Tooth wear and restoration failure

Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Facial pain
• Sensitive teeth
• Headaches
• Tension in the face and neck
• Locking of the jaw
• Jaw pain
• Popping or clicking of the TMJ