Do you find your jaw locking up on you? Do you suffer from regular headaches or neck pain? If so, you might have TMJ. TMJ is a relatively common dental disorder in which the temporomandibular joint is injured or inflamed. TMJ treatment in Gaithersburg, MD, is different for each patient, but it can help relieve the symptoms for most. If your jaw is constantly in pain or you notice frequent earaches, it may be time to talk to your dentist about TMJ treatment.
What Causes TMJ?
TMJ can come from a variety of sources. The most common cause of TMJ is teeth grinding at night. When we experience high levels of stress or anxiety during the day, it’s difficult for our bodies to relax naturally while we sleep. This often manifests in clenching and grinding our teeth. While the occasional night of tooth grinding won’t hurt in the long run, frequent cases of clenching can lead to TMJ and other dental problems.
TMJ can also be caused by problems with your bite. If you’re missing teeth, the rest of your mouth has to compensate when you chew or talk, which puts additional strain on your jaw. Misaligned teeth can also lead to TMJ. When your teeth don’t line up properly, you can unintentionally put added pressure on certain parts of your jaw, leading to locking and soreness.
Options for TMJ Treatment in Gaithersburg, MD
If you have TMJ, you don’t have to suffer through the symptoms. Talking to your dentist can allow them to develop a treatment plan that could help relieve the pain and tension. For many patients, TMJ is treated through a custom-fit nightguard. A nightguard protects your teeth from grinding and provides a buffer that helps reduce the strain of clenching. Using a custom nightguard can reduce the symptoms of TMJ and may even help improve the quality of your sleep.
TMJ can also be treated through orthodontic correction and restorative dentistry. If tooth misalignment or missing teeth is causing your pain, fixing your bite often helps. Orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign and restorative dentistry such as implants can alter your bite to even out the pressures in your jaw and relieve tension.
Do You Suffer from Jaw Pain?
If you notice frequent head and neck pain, earaches, or locking of the jaw, you could have TMJ. At Totally Smiles Dental Group, we’re dedicated to helping our patients find the right solution to treating TMJ symptoms. Our options for TMJ treatment in Gaithersburg, MD, are designed to fit each unique case. Call us today at 301-701-5861 to learn more about how we can help relieve jaw pain.