Grinding of one's teeth is common in adults and children, especially during times of unusual life stress and crises.

Treatment:

If grinding becomes a long-term pattern, consult your Dentist to prevent damage to your teeth and temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), otherwise known as "jaw joint pain".

Experiencing jaw-joint pain in the mornings is an indication that you are grinding and clenching your teeth during the night.  This is one of the causes of Temporo-Mandibular Disorder (TMD).   

The syndrome is most prevalent with women between the ages of 25 and 40.   TMJ can be caused by:

• bad bite
• misaligned teeth
• missing teeth
• arthritis
• emotional stress

            Treatment:

Have your Dentist (or a Dentist who focuses on this disorder - there is no official specialty in dentistry for TMJ problems) perform a complete diagnosis to determine the causes so that a treatment program can be established.  A wide range of treatments are available.   

For a more comprehensive explanation see "Take this Book to the Dentist with You", by Charles B. Inlander.

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