Do you need relief from TMJ pain? Your dentist can help you get the relief you need from pain, teeth grinding, and more.
What is Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome?
Temporomandibular joint syndrome or TMJ is the pain in your jaw muscles and joints.The TMJ in the front of your head connects your lower jaw to the rest of your skull. So, whenever you open or close your mouth, the joints are working – it works like a sliding hinge would work.
But if you’re feeling TMJ pain, you may find that simply opening and closing your mouth can be painful. In fact, TMJ can create other disruptions to your health, from interrupted sleep to difficulty with your regular daily activities, too. It can be increased due to stress, too.
What is the Cause of TMJ Pain?
TMJ pain can be caused due to:
- Serious injury to jaw or teeth
- Misalignment of jaw or teeth
- Excessive teeth grinding or clenching of the jaw, also called bruxism
- Chronic stress leading to grinding or clenching
- Frequent gum chewing
Although you use your temporomandibular joints or TMJ whenever you open or close your mouths, it’s unlikely that you think about them at all, until they start to cause you pain. But, once that pain starts, it can be successfully resolved with experienced dental intervention.
Different Types of TMJ Pain
There are several types of TMJ pain, and successful treatment starts by identifying them.
Myofascial pain is the most common – it results from teeth grinding and jaw clenching, and it starts in the muscles around the joints.
Internal joint derangement – caused by trauma to your face or jaw, or due to internal issues that may involve a displaced disc or dislocated jaw.
Arthritis – Arthritis can also attack the TMJ. If this is the case, your dental team and your physician will work together to find the right treatment for you.
What Relief and Treatment are Available for TMJ Pain?
TMJ pain can usually be treated and relieved through a variety of tools for care. These include:
- Applying cold compresses at home
- Consuming soft foods if flare-ups occur
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Special exercises for the jaw
- A custom night guard created by your dental team to reduce stress on the TMJ, preventing teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Orthodontic treatment to correct bite issues
- Oral surgery, if other treatments are unsuccessful
Your skilled dental team can recommend custom night guards or other treatment plans to prevent or relieve TMJ issues.
Why is TMJ Pain Treatment Important?
It’s important to treat TMJ pain, as it can get worse over time, possibly eventually requiring surgical intervention. To prevent it, receiving early treatment, like an effective custom night guard, can resolve the disorder and relieve pain.
So,whether your TMJ pain is caused by jaw misalignment, bruxism, or for another reason, relieving pain now means you’ll have better oral health for years to come.
Ready to Learn More About TMJ Treatment?
If you’re ready to learn more about TMJ pain relief, and options for TMJ treatment, give us a call or just reach out today. We are ready to help!