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You may find yourself hard pressed to explain the difference between bruxism and TMJ disorder when asked. As a result, if you experience new symptoms, you may discover that you aren’t really sure which one is affecting you. In fact, it is entirely possible to deal with both. Take a breather and recognize a helpful fact: It’s not your responsibility to figure all of this out. Your Corona dentist is here to watch your oral health, diagnose changes, and offer treatment when necessary. As for clearing up your confusion, we are always happy to offer a little education.

What’s TMJ Disorder?

Abbreviated as TMD, this functional problem is an issue with your jaw joints. We also call your jaw joints your TMJs, which is a shortened way of saying temporomandibular joints (or the joints that connect your jawbone to your skull). Sometimes the joints become aggravated or damaged, so they stop functioning as well as they should. This can lead to discomfort, a popping jaw, a jaw that lock up for a moment, headaches, neck aches, shoulder aches, backaches, and more.

What’s Bruxism?

Bruxism is a disorder that can affect both your teeth and your jaws. If it affect you, you may gnash, grind, or clench your teeth without realizing you’re doing it. Due to the habitual nature of this motion, your Corona dentist explains that teeth can become sensitive, they can become worn or chipped, you may experience pain in the area that surrounds your smile, and headaches, facial pain, or soreness is possible.

How Are They Related?

These functional issues may occur at the same time or one may lead to the other. TMJ disorder may contribute to your grinding or clenching. Bruxism may strain your jaw joints. Scheduling time to sit down with your Corona dentist every six months or when you notice symptoms is an important step in protecting your smile and jaw joints.

Riverside Dental Group and Dental Associate Offices Serves a Community Near You!

Our dentists look forward to caring for you and every member of your family with a comprehensive selection of services. We will maintain and improve your oral health with a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, restorative, implant, and emergency dentistry techniques. We also specialize in endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and orthodontics, serving patients from Riverside, Temecula, Moreno Valley, Corona, and all surrounding California communities. To schedule an appointment, contact one of the following locations nearest to you:

Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.

Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.

Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest in Riverside, CA at (951) 776-9001.

Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.

Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at  (951) 369-1001.

Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.