Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can damage your teeth and strain your jaw. Our team in St. Louis specializes in TMJ-focused treatment options to relieve grinding, protect your bite, and reduce related pain or sleep disturbances.

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Why Teeth Grinding Is More Than a Bad Habit

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is often brushed off as a harmless habit, but it can have serious consequences for your jaw, teeth, and overall well-being. Chronic grinding—especially at night—can wear down enamel, cause dental fractures, create muscle pain, and lead to jaw joint inflammation. For many patients, this grinding is closely tied to TMJ dysfunction, where misalignment or tension in the jaw joint leads to unconscious clenching and grinding.

At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of St. Louis, we look beyond your symptoms to identify the underlying reason for your bruxism. Using specialized assessments, we evaluate how your jaw function, bite alignment, muscle patterns, and even airway health contribute to the issue. With this comprehensive approach, we can treat not just the effects, but the root cause of your teeth grinding.

Customized Bruxism Solutions That Protect Your Smile

Effective treatment for bruxism starts with protecting your teeth, but it doesn’t end there. We offer custom oral appliances—also known as nightguards or orthotics—that prevent tooth-to-tooth contact and guide your jaw into a more relaxed, natural position during sleep. These devices not only prevent further damage, but also help reduce the muscle tension that fuels nighttime grinding.

For patients with more complex cases, we may also incorporate myofunctional therapy, TMJ-specific laser treatment, or posture and breathing assessments to provide a holistic care plan. With a personalized approach, our goal is to restore comfort, protect your teeth, and improve sleep quality—giving you lasting relief from the pain and damage of chronic teeth grinding.

TMJ-Related Teeth Grinding Treatment in St. Louis – FAQs

Q: What is the connection between TMJ and bruxism?

A: TMJ and bruxism are closely linked because jaw joint dysfunction often leads to nighttime teeth clenching and grinding. When the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is misaligned, it causes muscle tension and stress on the jaw, which can trigger grinding during sleep. Addressing the underlying TMJ imbalance is an essential part of effective bruxism treatment.

Q: How do I know if I need teeth grinding treatment?

A: You may need teeth grinding treatment if you frequently wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or worn-down teeth. Many patients don’t realize they grind their teeth until they experience damage or fatigue in the jaw muscles. A specialist at the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of St. Louis can diagnose the cause and provide personalized care to protect your teeth and relieve discomfort.

Q: Can a mouth guard for teeth grinding help?

A: Yes — a mouth guard for teeth grinding can provide a protective barrier between your teeth, preventing further wear and damage. However, not all guards address the root cause. At our St. Louis centre, we design custom oral appliances that not only protect your teeth but also help correct jaw alignment and reduce TMJ strain for long-term relief.

Q: What does bruxism treatment involve?

A: Effective bruxism treatment focuses on more than just protecting your teeth — it addresses the muscle and joint imbalances that cause grinding. Treatment may include custom oral appliances, jaw alignment therapy, or lifestyle adjustments to reduce stress and improve sleep. Our goal is to restore comfort, function, and proper jaw balance.

Q: How can I find a teeth grinding dentist near me who treats TMJ?

A: If you’re searching for a teeth grinding dentist near me, the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of St. Louis offers advanced care for both TMJ and teeth grinding. Our experienced team specializes in identifying the connection between TMJ dysfunction and bruxism, creating customized treatment plans to protect your smile and improve sleep quality.

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