What are the symptoms of TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD) causes a host of uncomfortable symptoms, as well as tooth damage. If you have TMJ, you may experience:
- Fractured teeth
- Facial tenderness
- Frequent headaches
- Jaw popping, stiffness, or locking
- Difficulty chewing or speaking because of pain or stiffness
- Pain or tenderness around your jaw joint in front of your ears
If left untreated, TMJ can permanently damage your jaw joint, as well as your tooth structures. For these reasons, even minor TMJ discomfort is never something you should ignore.
Why do I have TMJ?
Your jaw joint is a complex ball-and-socket type of joint (like your shoulder) that has a cushiony protective disc between its bones. Each side of your jaw is surrounded by muscles and connective tissues that allow your jaw joint to open, close, and glide from side-to-side with ease. If any of these structures are compromised, TMJ can occur.
TMJ happens for a number of reasons. Plus, as you get older, and your bones and connective tissues naturally wear down, your risk increases. Some of the most common causes of TMJ include:
- Teeth clenching and grinding during sleep
- Improper jaw joint alignment
- Joint injury or dislocation
- Arthritic conditions
In some cases, the dentists at Cosmetic & General Dentistry of New City find that periods of extreme stress lead to TMJ discomfort. If you’re regularly stressed or anxious, you’re more likely to clench your jaws and grind your teeth, often unknowingly, which leads to TMJ.
How can a dentist treat TMJ?
To relieve your jaw discomfort and to prevent further TMJ issues, your dedicated dentist at Cosmetic & General Dentistry of New City can get you fitted for a custom occlusal splint (or mouthguard). This oral device, which is fabricated in-house using digital technology, prevents the clenching of your teeth. Usually, you wear your mouthguard while you sleep. Your dentist may also recommend:
- Relaxation techniques
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Exercises to strengthen jaw muscles
- Dietary changes and eating softer foods
During your TMJ evaluation at Cosmetic & General Dentistry of New City, your dentist talks with you about your symptoms and gathers digital dental X-rays so that they can design a personalized treatment plan.
Before suffering from TMJ pain another day, see how the team at Cosmetic & General Dentistry of New City can help. Click on the online booking tool, or call the office to schedule by phone.
