Dentist | Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Questions TMJ

Can grinding your teeth cause TMJ?

According to my husband, I grind my teeth throughout the night. Right now, my jaw feels fine but I'm worried that grinding my teeth will cause something serious. Can grinding my teeth cause TMJ?

6 Answers

It could, but doesn't always lead to that type of pain. Your best bet, even just for the long term stability of your teeth, is to see someone and have a night guard appliance made to wear nightly.
That is one of the main causes of TMJ is clenching and grinding especially at night. Your teeth might start to chip or crack easier because of all of the extra torque they are taking on besides just chewing food. They make night guards that you can get at the store that you can warm up and they mold to your teeth. Could be something you could try in case you do start to notice more pain in your jaw or headaches that become more persistent.
Dear patient,

Grinding teeth is common. To prevent grinding, you should visit your dentist and get an evaluation and get a night guard. That is an appliance which you wear while sleeping Grinding can cause TMD and pain in TMJ.
Your night time grinding can lead to muscle fatigue and cramping and with possible soreness and associated headaches. This would be what they call a myofascial problem which is included in TMD (what they now call TMJ problems).
Yes, grinding your teeth can cause TMJ. It needs to be checked clinically for signs and symptoms and we usually do a panoramic X-ray to check the TMJ. You should make an appointment with your dentist.
Thanks.
Hi,

You need to see your dentist or oral surgeon and get a night guard.