Restful Sleep Starts with a Relaxed Jaw
While grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep may appear trivial, it often indicates a more significant issue. Bruxism can result in enamel wear, headaches, facial discomfort, and disturbed sleep patterns. We identify the underlying causes, such as airway obstruction, stress, or jaw misalignment, and develop a gentle, effective strategy to enhance your sleep quality and safeguard your jaw health.
Over 70 Centres
Decades
Tens of Thousands
Why People Grind Their Teeth
Bruxism is frequently observed during sleep and has the potential to cause enamel wear, place excessive strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and lead to pain in the head and neck regions. While stress is a contributing factor, numerous cases are linked to airway issues. When the airway narrows during sleep, the brain may engage the jaw muscles to clench or shift the lower jaw in an effort to restore breathing. This reflex, over time, puts stress on the joints and adjacent muscles.
“Sleep bruxism has been classified as a sleep-related movement disorder and is strongly associated with both sleep-disordered breathing and temporomandibular disorders.”
Balasubramaniam R, Klasser GD, Cistulli PA, Lavigne GJ. J Dent Sleep Med. 2014;1(1):27–37.
“In adults with obstructive sleep apnea, the occurrence of sleep bruxism is elevated, suggesting that increased respiratory effort can trigger jaw muscle activity during sleep.”
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Kansas City, our experts analyze various factors such as sleep patterns, airway dimensions, jaw alignment, bite mechanics, and muscle function to identify your individual causes. We then develop a customized non-surgical approach to safeguard your teeth, alleviate TMJ symptoms, and enhance your overall sleep quality.
When To Seek Treatment
The following indicators may suggest that clenching is impacting your teeth, jaw, or sleep quality:
Chipping, flat cusps, or increased sensitivity can reveal the forces strong enough to wear down enamel and put pressure on the TMJ.
Experiencing tightness or soreness in the muscles upon waking indicates potential overnight clenching, often related to airway issues.
Elevated biting forces from grinding can lead to fractures in fillings, crowns, or natural teeth and may irritate the joint capsule.
Frequent disturbances during sleep, such as snoring or gasping, indicate a possible airway issue that requires assessment and intervention.
Relief begins with the right diagnosis
There’s no need to start your day feeling sore or fatigued. At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Kansas City, we provide targeted, non-invasive treatments to safeguard your teeth, alleviate TMJ discomfort, and enhance your sleep quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding may seem automatic, leading to confusion. This information clarifies its causes and how focused, non-surgical treatment can assist.
TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre
Global Expertise
As proud members of TMJ International, we are part of a global team dedicated to advancing collaborative care in TMJ disorders and sleep therapy. Together, we bring innovation, expertise, and compassionate treatment to help patients find lasting relief and a healthier quality of life.
If you’re struggling with jaw pain, headaches, or sleep issues, the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Kansas City is here to help. Our team specializes in non-surgical TMJ and sleep therapy solutions designed to restore comfort and improve your quality of life.
Over 70 Centres
Decades