A TMJ disorder is a malfunctioning of the temporo mandibular joint while bruxism is teeth grinding. One needs to understand that these are two independent conditions and may occur together or independently. Bruxism or teeth grinding is a condition where the person moves the teeth sideways either consciously or unconsciously in sleep. It is not necessary that a person having bruxism symptoms must have a TMJ disorder or a person with a TMD must show symptoms of bruxism.
Bruxism or teeth grinding may cause damage of the teeth resulting in the bite being over closed. This condition may affect the TMJ resulting in a TMJ disorder. Some ascribe bruxism to stress. A bit of relaxation and rest can definitely reduce the habit of grinding and gnashing of teeth. The actual reason for teeth grinding is that when the jaw is in an inappropriate position, the jaw muscles try to move it to a more comfortable position resulting in back and forth movement of the teeth. Signs of bruxism are worn out teeth, absence of gum disease yet the gums are receded, face looks small between the nose and the chin, headaches and a tired look on the face in the morning.
The bruxism may result in the jaw joint receding backwards and compress the nerves and blood vessels causing facial pain, neck pain, headaches and even jaw pain. The cartilage disc may get displaced resulting in clicking noise while opening and closing the jaw. Hence bruxism may cause a condition of TMJ.
