Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint, causing pain, clicking, and difficulty chewing.
Common TMJ Treatments:
Medications – Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants.
Therapies – Physical therapy and relaxation techniques to reduce jaw tension.
Dental Treatments – Bite guards or splints to prevent teeth grinding.
Minimally Invasive Procedures – Joint flushing or injections for pain relief.
Surgery – Rarely needed for severe cases.
A nightguard will hold your jaw in a better resting position as you sleep. Additionally, it will prevent you from grinding your teeth together or clenching your jaw as you sleep. Many of our patients find that their jaw pain is significantly decreased after they’ve used the nightguard because they are waking up with fully rested and recovered facial muscles.
Besides seeking TMJ treatment, you can practice mindfulness at home to reduce your jaw pain. Take several breaks throughout your day to relax you facial muscles and stretch your jaw around. This will help reduce the amount of tension held in your facial muscles.
People experience jaw pain for a variety of reasons. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching are the most common culprits. Additionally, if you’ve experienced facial trauma, have a misaligned bite, or are missing a tooth, this can also cause jaw pain. Anything that affects your bite pattern can lead to jaw pain, as this puts additional pressure on your facial and mouth muscles.
TMJ disorders primarily present themselves with jaw pain. Additionally, you may notice a clicking or popping sound whenever you open or close your mouth. You may also experience tension headaches and earaches which stem from the added pressure that your facial muscles are under. You should report any of these symptoms to our doctors at your next dental appointment.