Specialized Care

Waking Up with Sore Jaws or Headaches? Understanding Bruxism & TMJ

Waking Up with Sore Jaws or Headaches? Understanding Bruxism & TMJ

Do you regularly wake up with tight facial muscles, aching temples, or teeth that feel tender when you bite into breakfast? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleepβ€”a condition known as **bruxism**.

Consequences of Untreated Grinding - **Excessive Enamel Wear**: Teeth become flattened, shortened, and prone to chipping. - **Bite Imbalance**: Muscle spasm in the masseter and temporalis muscles causing chronic tension headaches. - **TMJ Dysfunction**: Clicking, popping, or painful locking of the jaw joint.

How a Custom Michigan Splint Solves the Issue Unlike over-the-counter soft boil-and-bite mouthguards (which can actually trigger chewing reflexes and worsen clenching), a dentist-prescribed **Michigan Splint** is custom milled to your exact bite. It establishes balanced tooth contact, allows jaw muscles to relax, and prevents any further enamel damage while you sleep.

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