Bruxism is more than nighttime clenching—it’s often a sign of an underlying TMJ disorder. Many patients in Westchester County develop grinding and jaw pain when the joints fall out of balance. Understanding this connection is the first step toward real relief.

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Bruxism TMJ Treatment

What makes these complex joints so prone to injury and dysfunction is that they are the hardest-working joints in the body because they move in three directions: front to back, side to side, and up and down. No other joints in the body move in that many different directions.

When you have TMJ disorder, you may experience a number of symptoms; bruxism (the clenching and grinding of teeth mostly at night) is one of the most common (and painful) symptoms of TMJ. Bruxism is a severe symptom of TMJ because it causes your teeth to become worn down. When your teeth are worn down due to TMJ and bruxism, your bite becomes misaligned and results in numerous painful symptoms that affect much more than just your jaw joints. Bruxism is not only a symptom of TMJ, but it actually can cause TMJ—one of the many reasons patients seek TMJ dental care in Westchester County, NY.

TMJ Symptoms

Symptoms related to jaw dysfunction and bruxism will occur in the head, face, ears, neck, upper back, and lower extremities.

  • Jaw pain
  • Jaw tightness
  • Clicking/popping sounds in the jaw
  • Facial pain
  • Facial numbness
  • Headaches
  • Ear pain
  • Ear congestion
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Neck pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Upper back pain
  • Tingling/numbness in the hands and fingers
  • Jaw pain
  • Jaw tightness
  • Clicking/popping sounds in the jaw
  • Facial pain
  • Facial numbness
  • Headaches
  • Ear pain
  • Ear congestion
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Neck pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Upper back pain
  • Tingling/numbness in the hands and fingers

More About Bruxism

Bruxism and TMJ often go hand in hand. When your jaw joints don’t function properly, you may clench or grind your teeth, leading to pain, clicking, and bite problems. Over time, this strain can wear down teeth and push your jaw out of alignment. Early treatment helps prevent worsening discomfort and long-term damage.

  • TMJ and bruxism are linked
  • Grinding damages teeth and joints
  • Misalignment worsens jaw pain
  • Early care prevents progression

TMJ and Bruxism Treatment

Advances in TMJ diagnosis and treatment allow TMJ dentists like Dr. Mejia to provide relief rather quickly to those of you suffering from TMJ and bruxism. Once we have gathered information about your specific problem areas using the most advanced TMJ technology, Dr. Mejia and her TMJ treatment team will offer you treatment options.

You may benefit from Phase I and Phase II treatment depending on the severity of your condition:

  • TENS (Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation)
  • Change in pillow or mattress
  • Change in position
  • Orthodontic treatment
  • Dental restorations
  • Lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol and caffeine in the late afternoon and early evening
  • Exercise therapy for your jaw joints
  • Oral appliance to move your jaw into its optimal position
  • TENS (Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation)
  • Change in pillow or mattress
  • Change in position
  • Lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol and caffeine in the late afternoon and early evening
  • Exercise therapy for your jaw joints
  • Oral appliance to move your jaw into its optimal position
  • Orthodontic treatment
  • Dental restorations

Learn More About TMJ Treatment and Bruxism in Westchester, NY

Please call Dr. Wanda Mejia at (914) 594-6854 to schedule a bruxism/TMJ evaluation, or you may fill out our online contact form. One of our team members will contact you soon to answer any questions you may have or assist with scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

TMJ & Bruxism
FAQs

TMJ & Bruxism FAQs

Learn more about how TMJ dysfunction and bruxism are connected—and how Dr. Wanda Mejia can help relieve pain, restore balance, and protect your smile.

TMJ and bruxism often occur together. When the jaw joints are out of balance, muscles overwork, leading to teeth grinding and clenching, which can worsen joint pain and misalignment.

Symptoms include jaw pain, tightness, clicking sounds, headaches, ear pain, facial tension, neck stiffness, and even tingling in the hands or fingers.

Treatment may include a custom oral appliance, TENS therapy, lifestyle changes, or restorative dentistry to realign your bite and relieve strain on the jaw joints.

See What Our Patients Say

Clenching & Grinding Explained

Bruxism and TMJ Disorders

Understand how teeth grinding contributes to jaw pain and joint dysfunction.

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