Teeth grinding and jaw pain in Vancouver.

No. Bruxism is grinding or clenching activity and can occur while awake or asleep. TMD refers to disorders involving jaw muscles or joints. They can coexist, but grinding does not prove the cause of every headache or jaw symptom. Tell us about timing, triggers, locking and the effect on everyday activities.

Clicking without pain or limitation is common and does not necessarily require treatment. Pain, locking or restricted movement should be assessed. A diagnosis is based on the whole history and examination, not the sound alone. A painless click with normal function may need explanation and monitoring rather than active treatment. Pain, locking or reduced opening changes the assessment; tell us whether the jaw ever becomes stuck.

An appliance may be considered to protect teeth in selected situations. That is different from proving it will stop grinding or resolve TMD pain. Evidence for appliances relieving TMD pain is limited; we explain the purpose of any proposed device and review the response. A guard can protect teeth and restorations from contact, but it should not be described as a cure for grinding or a guaranteed treatment for TMD pain. The goal and the response need to be reviewed.

Research supports conservative approaches for many cases of persistent jaw pain, including education, changes to aggravating habits, appropriate jaw exercises and other individualized support. Treatment depends on the diagnosis; an appliance or changes to the bite are not the default for every patient. Persistent or complex symptoms may need further assessment or referral.

Irreversible treatment should not be a routine first step for unexplained TMD pain. Evidence does not support routinely grinding teeth or adding crowns to treat TMD. We distinguish a specific restoration problem from a broad claim that changing the bite will cure jaw pain. An isolated filling that is too high is different from reshaping multiple teeth to treat a chronic jaw disorder. NIDCR advises caution with treatments that permanently change the teeth or bite for TMD.

We discuss signs you or a partner have noticed, tooth wear, fractures, muscle symptoms and relevant health history. Wear can have more than one cause. Bring any existing appliance and tell us if it changes symptoms or feels uncomfortable. Wear facets show a history of wear, not necessarily how much you are grinding now. We combine the pattern of damage with symptoms, examination and your account of daytime or sleep-related habits.

Note when pain began, whether the jaw locks, what makes symptoms better or worse and whether there was an injury. Mention sleep problems, headaches and previous treatments. That history helps us plan an assessment focused on your experience. A short symptom diary can help: note the time of day, chewing triggers, locking, headaches, sleep changes and medication changes. Bring any existing guard so we can assess its fit and your experience using it.