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Jaw Clenching & Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment

Stop Grinding. Start Relieving Pain.

Do you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, facial tension, or sensitive teeth?

Jaw clenching and teeth grinding (also called bruxism) can place excessive strain on the jaw joints, muscles, teeth, and surrounding structures. Many people do not realize they grind until symptoms begin affecting daily life.

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At Colorado TMJ & Facial Pain, we focus on identifying contributing factors and creating personalized treatment plans to help relieve pain and protect long-term oral health.

What Is Jaw Clenching & Teeth Grinding?

 

Bruxism is repetitive tightening, clenching, or grinding of the teeth.

 

It may happen:

  • During sleep (sleep bruxism)

  • During the day (awake bruxism)

  • During stress or concentration

  • During exercise or work

 

Some patients grind loudly. Others simply hold their jaw tightly for hours without realizing it.

Over time, this can overload the jaw muscles and joints.

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Common Signs & Symptoms

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  • Worn or flattened teeth

  • Jaw tightness or soreness

  • Morning headaches

  • Ear pressure or ear discomfort

  • Tension headaches

  • Limited jaw opening

  • Facial muscle fatigue

  • Tooth sensitivity

  • Poor sleep quality

  • Clicking or popping of the jaw

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Why Does Teeth Grinding Happen?

 

Bruxism is usually multifactorial.

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Common contributing factors include:

  • Stress and muscle tension

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Obstructive sleep apnea

  • TMJ disorders

  • Habitual daytime clenching

  • Certain medications

  • High caffeine intake

  • Anxiety or increased jaw muscle activity

 

Treatment works best when the underlying contributors are identified.

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How Jaw Clenching Can Affect Your Health

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Teeth

  • Wear and fractures

  • Chipped restorations

  • Sensitivity

Muscles

  • Facial pain

  • Tightness

  • Trigger points

Jaw Joints (TMJ)

  • Joint irritation

  • Clicking

  • Locking

Sleep

  • Fragmented sleep

  • Morning fatigue​​

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​How We Evaluate Bruxism

 

At Colorado TMJ & Facial Pain, evaluation may include:

  • Detailed symptom history

  • Jaw and muscle examination

  • Bite evaluation

  • Sleep screening when appropriate

  • Imaging when indicated

  • Review of contributing habits and lifestyle factors

 

Our goal is not only to protect teeth—but to understand why the clenching is happening.

Dr Sami Sarabadani TMJ and orofacial pain specialist in Parker and Littleton Colorado
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Treatment Options

Custom TMJ Appliances

Custom oral appliances designed to reduce jaw strain, clenching, headaches, and TMJ pain.

Therapeutic Botox

Therapeutic Botox injections may help relieve jaw tension, chronic headaches, migraines, and facial muscle pain.​

Trigger Point Injections

Targeted injections for painful jaw, facial, neck, and head muscle trigger points.

Sleep Evaluation

For patients with nighttime grinding and signs of disrupted sleep.

Physical Therapy & Behavioral Strategies

Small habit changes can reduce daytime jaw overuse.

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Photobiomodulation Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy may help reduce inflammation, muscle tension, and TMJ-related discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Jaw Clenching & Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment

Is teeth grinding the same as TMJ?

No. Teeth grinding can contribute to TMJ symptoms, but not everyone who grinds develops TMJ disorder.

 

Can stress cause jaw clenching?

Stress may increase muscle tension and daytime clenching habits.

 

Do mouthguards stop grinding?

Appliances may help protect teeth and reduce loading, but treatment depends on the underlying cause.

 

Can Botox help jaw clenching?

For selected patients, therapeutic Botox may help reduce excessive muscle activity.

 

Can children grind their teeth?

Children may grind as well, although evaluation depends on age and symptoms.

 

Will grinding damage my teeth permanently?

Long-term grinding may contribute to wear and fractures if left untreated.

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Wake Up With Less Jaw Tension

If jaw clenching, grinding, headaches, or facial tension are affecting your daily life, we are here to help.

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