CLENCHING, GRINDING, AND JAW PAIN
Personalized Treatment for Long-Term Relief
Understanding Clenching, Grinding, and Jaw Pain
Why It Happens and What It Can Lead To
Your jaw joints and muscles work together every time you chew, speak, or yawn. When these muscles are overworked from clenching or grinding, often during sleep, it can cause inflammation, joint strain, and enamel wear. Stress, bite misalignment, and certain sleep disorders are common contributors. Over time, this strain may lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and chronic discomfort.
- Soreness or stiffness in the jaw, neck, or shoulders
- Tooth sensitivity or worn enamel
- Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw joint
- Facial muscle fatigue and headaches
How We Can Help Relieve Your
Symptoms
Protecting Your Teeth and Easing Discomfort
At Laser Dental Bakersfield, we understand how jaw pain, teeth grinding (bruxism), and clenching can interfere with daily life. These conditions often progress slowly, leading to tooth damage, muscle tension, and chronic pain if untreated. Our approach focuses on identifying the cause, easing discomfort, and protecting your teeth from further harm.
- Custom Night Guards – Comfortable, protective devices that prevent tooth damage caused by nighttime grinding
- TMJ Therapy – Gentle treatments to reduce inflammation, relax jaw muscles, and restore normal function
- Stress Management Guidance – Strategies to help reduce tension and minimize grinding or clenching triggers
- Restorative Dentistry – Repairing damaged teeth with crowns, bonding, or veneers when needed
Orofacial Pain and TMD
Understanding the Causes and Finding Relief
Clenching, teeth grinding (bruxism), and jaw joint disorders (TMJ/TMD) can place significant strain on the jaw muscles and joints, often leading to orofacial pain, headaches, worn teeth, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Stress, bite misalignment, and sleep disorders are common contributors, and without treatment, these issues may progress to chronic discomfort and long-term damage. At Laser Dental Bakersfield, we provide customized solutions to protect your teeth, relieve jaw strain, and restore comfort so you can chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Our Treatment Options May Include:
- Custom Night Guards – Prevent tooth wear and reduce pressure during sleep
- TMJ Therapy – Gentle, targeted care to reduce inflammation and improve mobility
- Oral Appliances – Splints and guards to support jaw alignment and function
- Stress Management Guidance – Techniques to ease clenching and grinding triggers
- Restorative Dentistry – Repairing worn or damaged teeth with crowns, veneers, or bonding