BRUXISM & TMJ TREATMENT

What Are Bruxism and TMJ Disorder?

Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. It can happen during the day, often without you noticing, or at night while you sleep. Over time, the constant pressure wears down teeth and overworks the jaw muscles.

TMJ disorder (TMD) affects the temporomandibular joints, the hinges that connect your lower jaw to your skull just in front of your ears. When these joints or the muscles around them are strained, you may feel pain, stiffness, or clicking.

The two are closely linked. Grinding and clenching put heavy, repeated force on the jaw joints, which is one of the most common triggers for TMJ problems.

Common signs include:

• Jaw pain or tightness: Soreness in the jaw, face, or around the ears, often worst in the morning.
• Headaches: Dull, recurring headaches around the temples.
• Worn, chipped or flattened teeth: A telltale sign of grinding.
• Tooth sensitivity: Worn enamel can expose the more sensitive layer underneath.
• Clicking or popping: Noises when you open, close, or chew.
• Limited movement: A jaw that feels stiff, catches, or won't open fully.
• A partner hearing you grind: Many patients first learn about bruxism this way.

Untreated grinding can crack teeth, damage dental work, and make TMJ pain worse over time.

Bruxism is often driven by stress, sleep issues, caffeine or alcohol, or an uneven bite. Because most grinding happens during sleep, many people don't realize it's happening until damage shows up. Early treatment protects your teeth and stops the strain before it becomes a long-term joint problem.

Bruxism & TMJ Treatment Procedure:

Treatment at Kremer Dental Care usually follows these steps:

1. Evaluation: We review your symptoms, check your teeth for signs of wear, examine your jaw joints and muscles for tenderness, and look at how your teeth come together. Imaging may be recommended if needed.
2. Custom treatment plan: Depending on what we find, your plan may include:
   • Custom night guard: A thin, comfortable appliance worn while you sleep. It cushions your teeth and eases pressure on the jaw.
   • Bite adjustment: Small corrections if an uneven bite is adding strain.
   • Repair of worn teeth: Bonding, crowns, or other restorations if grinding has already caused damage.
   • Home care: Jaw stretches, warm compresses, softer foods during flare-ups, and awareness of daytime clenching.
   • Stress and habit support: Practical ways to reduce the stress and habits that trigger grinding.
3. Referral if needed: For complex TMJ cases or suspected sleep disorders, we coordinate with physicians, physical therapists, or specialists.
4. Follow-up: We check your progress, adjust your night guard, and fine-tune your plan as symptoms improve.

Am I a Good Candidate for Bruxism & TMJ Treatment in Chico, CA?

You may benefit from an evaluation if you:

• Wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, or tired facial muscles
• Have been told you grind your teeth at night
• Notice worn, chipped, cracked, or flattened teeth
• Have tooth sensitivity with no clear cause
• Hear clicking or popping in your jaw
• Catch yourself clenching during the day, especially when stressed or focused

See a physician first if you:

• Recently had a jaw or facial injury with swelling or trouble closing your mouth
• Have sudden, severe pain with fever or swelling

During your visit at our Chico offices, we'll find out whether your symptoms come from grinding, the jaw joint, your bite, or a combination, and walk you through your options clearly.

Benefits You'll Gain from Bruxism & TMJ Treatment

• Protection against cracked, chipped, and worn teeth
• Less morning jaw pain and fewer headaches
• Longer-lasting fillings, crowns, and veneers
• More comfortable chewing, talking, and yawning
• Better rest with less nighttime clenching
• A clear plan to manage flare-ups on your own

Custom Night Guards in Chico, CA

Why Get a Custom Night Guard?

A custom night guard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your teeth from grinding. Store-bought guards are often bulky, loose, and uncomfortable, and a poor fit can make clenching worse. A guard made from your own impressions fits snugly, stays in place, and is comfortable enough to wear every night.

The reasons patients choose a custom night guard:

• Cushions teeth against grinding and clenching forces
• Helps jaw muscles relax while you sleep
• Reduces morning jaw soreness and headaches
• Protects existing dental work
• Thin, comfortable fit that doesn't interfere with sleep

Night Guard Procedure

• 1st visit: We examine your teeth, jaw, and bite, then take impressions or digital scans.
• 2nd visit: We fit your custom night guard, check your bite, and show you how to wear and clean it.

Ready to Stop Grinding and Ease Jaw Pain in Chico, CA?

You don't have to live with a sore jaw or keep wearing down your teeth. Schedule your bruxism and TMJ evaluation at one of our Chico locations today, and our team will help you find lasting relief.