TMJD & Bruxism Treatment
We all grind our teeth occasionally. It often occurs when we're stressed or anxious or when we're focusing intently on a task, and it is completely normal.
Teeth grinding is not normal when it's accompanied by constant neck and shoulder pain, headaches, or jaw joint pain. That's when you need a solution, and at Elizabeth Township Family Dentistry, we have helped many of our patients with a low-cost, non-invasive solution.
Our dentists are sympathetic with the effects that TMJD pain can have on just about every area of your life. Not only are the symptoms painful, but chronic grinding and clenching take a toll on your oral health, including worn, broken, or fractured teeth.
The Difference Between TMJ and TMJD
You have two temporomandibular joints (TMJ), one on either side of your head. The TMJ controls the movement of your lower jaw when you open and close your mouth. Place your fingers in front of your ears and move your jaw, and you can feel the TMJ working.
The TMJ is one of the most heavily-used joints in the body, and as such, it can become sore and overworked, like a shoulder or knee joint. When the TMJ is fatigued, you experience pain and discomfort.
When the jaw joint isn't functioning correctly, we refer to the condition as temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJD.
Why Do I Have Jaw Pain?
The TMJ controls both the up and down and side to side movement of your lower jaw, making it a complex joint, making it challenging to diagnose the specific source of pain.
However, some common reasons for TMJD are:
- Jaw injuries
- Teeth grinding or bruxism
- Tooth misalignment
- Malocclusions (bite problems)
- Arthritis
- Stress or anxiety
What Are the Symptoms of TMJD?
TMJD has many symptoms, and some of the most common are:
- Teeth grinding or bruxism
- Worn, broken, or fractured teeth
- Popping or clicking sounds
- Jaw joint pain, swelling, or tenderness
- Migraines and headaches
- Head, neck, or shoulder pain
- Jaw locked open or closed
Fortunately, with easy TMJD treatment available at our Elizabeth Township dental office, you can say good riddance to constant pain and get back to enjoying a happy, productive life.
A Simple, Effective Approach to Relieve TMJD Pain
We offer relief from TMJD pain using a customized nightguard that's worn while you sleep. The nightguard fits your teeth like a sports mouthguard and prevents the upper and lower jaw from meeting when you close your jaw. This relieves stress on your jaw joint, giving it time to rest and recover.
There are several other non-invasive methods for managing TMJD pain aimed at minimizing your general stress levels. Practicing yoga and meditation are very effective and are great for releasing the stress that leads to teeth grinding in the first place.
Do You Need Help for TMJD Pain?
If you have jaw joint pain that's interfering with your daily activities, you can finally take control and get the relief you need.
Please call our Elizabeth, PA dental office to schedule a convenient appointment.
