Teeth Jaw Clenching Ask The Dentist Questions about Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) in the Dental Health Library

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FAQ: Teeth Grinding

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Question:
I have been experiencing horrible sharp piercing pains near the temple of my head, on each side. At different times. The pain only lasts 1-4 seconds then it is gone. Almost like a lightning bolt. I went to see my doctor and he had suggested that teeth grinding could be the problem.

I have experienced (medium pain) headaches almost daily for 2-3 months, but I'm trying to figure out what can explain these other sharp pains I'm having. It happens during the day, morning or evening, there is no "Usual" morning pain.

I've read that people who grind teeth have morning pain from grinding the night before. This is not my case. It happens at different times. So basically at a regular cleaning and x-ray, my dentist had asked me a few months ago if I grind my teeth because the x-ray looked as if I did. I laughed of course I don't.

Now that I'm having this pain I'm wondering if I could be doing it. Please tell me if a symptom could also be sharp pains near my temple or above my ears? Visitor from OH

Answer:
Your pain is typical of TMJ problems, which will get worse (including worsening headaches, earaches, neck pain, jaw pain, mysterious tooth pain, etc.) You need treatment by a professional who specializes in facial pain problems.

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