TMJ Dysfunction and Occlusal Disorders

The way that your teeth meet determines the amount of tension in your chewing muscles. If your teeth do not meet well, the Occlusal Interferences (obstructions to normal chewing) can, along with stress, trigger tooth grinding, also known as Bruxism.

Tooth grinding can place a great deal of force on your chewing muscles and teeth, leading to premature tooth wear/destruction of tooth tissue, as well as causing fractures (cracks) in teeth and tooth ache. It can also lead to excessive wear of your Jaw Joint also known as the Temperomandibular (TMJ) joint. The TMJ is a very complicated and delicate joint and is very difficult to repair once damaged.

This is why it is very important to diagnose and treat Bruxism or tooth grinding, early.

Bruxism or tooth grinding can also result in tension headaches, migraines, neck ache and tooth ache as well as tooth wear and fractures.

If you have noticed any of the above symptoms, or have simply noticed that your front teeth are reducing in height or changing shape due to tooth wear, book a TMJ consultation today, so that we can help you minimise the impact of this destructive condition.

Dr Little has achieved the advanced, level 4 certification in treating TMJ Dysfunction and Occlusal Problems, from the International Partnership for the study of Occlusion (IPSO) based in Denver, Colorado.
She has also been a member of the British Society for the Study of Occlusion since 2007.