Many people suffer from jaw pain and TMJ (Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction) treatment can help. There are several reasons that pain can develop, but the most common one is teeth grinding. We treat patients that grind and clench their teeth during sleep. Many people don't even know that they do it but live with constant jaw pain and headaches.
There are several signs of TMJ that can be watched for. Regular and consistent headaches and jaw pain top the list, but teeth themselves can also show signs of this behavior. For example, if your teeth start to develop ridges or bumps at the bottom, it could be due to either an infection or grinding teeth. This is common with children, and there is no clear reason as to what causes someone to grind their teeth in the first place.
Grinding can create problems with cosmetic dental work as well. After spending money and time to have beautiful veneers, dental implants, or crowns installed, seeing them wear down or become chipped due to grinding is something most patients don't want to consider. Severe grinding can even crack or chip teeth, natural or cosmetic, which can create the need for further restorations or replacements. If your cosmetic dental work is showing signs of damage, this may be the cause and TMJ treatment can help.
The best way to address symptoms of TMJ is to have a night guard created. We do this after taking a mold or impression of a patient's mouth so that the guard fits perfectly and securely. This way it will be comfortable enough to sleep in. The guard should be worn every night in order to prevent the upper and lower teeth from touching. When teeth can't touch, it is impossible to clench or grind them. This prevents jaw pain and headaches from developing.
TMJ treatment is important because if left alone, it can create severe issues. Some people reach a point where they are no longer able to open their mouth when they wake up, eat like normal, or even speak comfortably. These are extreme cases, but it can happen to anyone that continues to suffer without treatment.
There are also ways to help reduce the pain in addition to wearing a night guard. Gentle massage can help to loosen up the muscles around the jaw so that it won't feel so tight. Warm heat can also be applied to loosen help relax the jaw. This can be done at home as needed in order to feel more comfortable.
When none of this helps, surgery may be a solution. It is difficult to predict the outcome of surgery, and there is no way to guarantee that it will help. There are even concerns that surgery could make the symptoms worse. It should only be tried after careful consideration, and all other TMJ treatments have been exhausted.
Night guards can help prevent teeth grinding and protect the enamel from permanent damage.Night guards are a form of retainer that prevents your teeth from grinding while you sleep. We will customize the night guard to fit your teeth for a more comfortable experience and effective treatment.Night GuardsAt Smilow Family Dentistry, P.C. in Springfield Township,…
For anyone who grinds his or her teeth at night, there are possible options for at-home treatment. Grinding teeth can wear down the tooth enamel and cause jaw pain. Since the teeth grinding occurs at night, it can be difficult for the individual to prevent it without extra assistance. We can determine your specific needs…
If you are suffering from a headache, let our Springfield Township dentist office know so we can talk about night guards. While the occasional headache may be caused by stress or a late night work session, regular and persistent headaches can be a symptom of TMJ. Very often, this condition takes place when strain is…
Invest in a mouth guard for better protection during sports and other events. For more information, give us a call.Mouth guards can be customized to fit one's teeth and protect them from damage during sports. A store-bought mouth guard is not nearly as strong or comfortable as a professional one that we customize.Mouth GuardsAt Smilow…
Professional teeth whitening sessions can get you the white set of teeth you have always wanted. It involves using products that contain whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen carbamide to oxidize stains and remove them. What is the difference between professional teeth whitening treatments and the countless products sold at drug stores, you ask?…
Teeth whitening treatments are the fastest way to significantly improve the color of teeth, and the results can last for years depending on how well the person takes care of their mouth. These treatments are performed using chemicals with bleaching properties like hydrogen carbamide and hydrogen peroxide.The bleaching agents can remove stains from the outer…