TMJ disorder can significantly interfere with your sleep and your ability to eat and relax. Patients with TMJ disorders frequently search for treatment methods to give themselves some relief.
Fortunately, dentists can help you achieve pain relief from TMJ. We combine custom oral appliances with lifestyle changes and other interventions to help your jaw and facial muscles relax, ending your pain.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. You have two temporomandibular joints where your lower jaw and upper jaw connect. The TMJ joint is a complex sliding hinge that allows chewing, speaking, and a full range of movement.
When these joints are under strain, they can cause pain, tenderness, and soreness in the jaw and nearby areas.
Symptoms
If you have TMJ disorder, you could experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Jaw or cheek soreness
- Pain in the ear area
- Pain in the face
- A feeling of tightness in the jaws
- Locking jaws
- Headaches, especially first thing in the morning
- Difficulty chewing food
- Popping or clicking noises when opening your mouth
Causes
While TMJ has several possible contributing factors, sometimes the cause does not immediately present itself.
Trauma
Injuries to the jaw cause many cases of TMJ, especially when they damage or displace the disc inside the joint.
Arthritis
Arthritis can affect the TMJ joint, causing pain and stiffness.
Stress
Stress often contributes to worsening TMJ disorders. When patients feel stressed, they may clench their jaws and facial muscles, exacerbating the problem.
Clenching or Grinding Teeth
Chronic tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, may cause TMJ, but some people with bruxism never develop TMJ symptoms.
Poor Dental Bite
People with crooked or missing teeth tend to clench and grind more, causing TMJ pain.
Methods to Relieve TMJ Pain
At-Home Care Methods
When TMJ pain flares up, dentists advise that their patients eat soft foods, avoid yawning, yelling, or singing, and use moist heat compresses to provide some relief.
Custom Oral Appliances
Our practice provides custom-made oral appliances worn at night. These appliances relieve stress on the TMJ joint and help the muscles relax over time.
Botox Injections
Botox can relax the inflamed muscles and allow them to release tension.
Stress Relief and Relaxation
Dentists recommend taking measures to limit or cope with stress. Meditation, relaxation exercises, gentle stretching, and massage can help.
Medication
Muscle relaxants and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may help.
Surgery
In prolonged and non-responsive cases, you may need to see an oral surgeon for help, but your dentist will try non-invasive methods first.
Call Paramount Dental Arts
If you have a TMJ disorder, you already know how deeply it can impact your life. Choose a dentist with experience in treating TMJ and returning patients to their normal lives. Please call our Clifton, NJ, office at 973-777-1772 to schedule an appointment today.