Teeth Grinding, Jaw Clenching, & TMJ Disorders

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TMJ in these cases is considered to be caused by mental stress, rather than by physical problems.
Most importantly, the patient must also get a custom-made mouth guard which will prevent him from grinding his teeth and putting pressure on them, and help him to break this habit as well.
Stress reduction and relaxing techniques: these include meditation, visualization techniques, yoga, and strenuous exercise.
Acupuncture, massage, and biofeedback have also proven to be effective as well.
Adjusting the diet to help reduce stress: limiting the intake of caffeine, sugar, fast foods, processed foods, and frozen foods may lower your stress levels and increase your health.



Sleeping on the back has been shown to reduce the habit of clenching their teeth at night.
Avoid taking antidepressants: these are often taken with the mistaken belief that they will reduce stress and overall tension, and thus reduce the TMJ teeth grinding.
If these must be taken, it is important to wear a custom made mouth guard at night.
The patient must make a conscious and deliberate effort to avoid teeth grinding and jaw clenching during the day, as this will only make the TMJ disorder worse; in addition to eliminating stress, the patient must take care to notice whenever he feels stress, frustration, anger, or tension, and check to see if the jaw or teeth is clenched.



The cost will range anywhere from $200 to $600, depending on the severity of the problem as well as the dentist himself.
The device attaches to the two front teeth and prevents the back teeth, both upper and lower, from not touching at all; this device will be made of a thin piece of plastic molded from impression taken of your teeth; it is easy to wear, not cumbersome, small, and of clear plastic, and thus may even be worn during the day.
It is crucial to remember that if you do not find relief from this device, then you should try another dentist, as this device is guaranteed to provide relief if fashioned correctly; most unsuccessful devices are either poorly fitting, or are treating cases of TMJ that are not based on teeth grinding.



These are quite effective as well, but again must fit properly in order to be of any effect; they are usually worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and may need to be adjusted monthly.
Avoid any dentist who suggest upper rather than lower splints as well, as these have proven to be ineffective and cause more damage adversely; these will not address the teeth grinding and jaw clenching causing the TMJ disorder