TMJ Treatment
Waking up with a sore jaw or a headache isn’t the best way to start the day. But this is a common occurrence if you have a problem with the jaw joint, also known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Having TMJ disorders or TMD can impact your daily life when it isn’t managed. At Truax Downtown Dental, our dentists in Fort Myers, FL, offer treatment for TMJ to help reduce symptoms and improve your well-being.
What Is a TMJ Disorder?
It’s a condition that happens when there’s something wrong with your jaw joint on one or both sides. Issues with the muscles or other structures in the joint can trigger pain and other symptoms.
What Are the Signs You Might Have a TMJ Disorder?
Wondering if your symptoms may mean you have TMD?
Some of the signs of these conditions include the following:
- A sore jaw
- Aches and pains in other areas, like your shoulder, face, or neck
- Tinnitus or ringing in your ears
- Toothaches on the affected side
- Earaches
- Frequent migraines or headaches
- Stiff jaw
- Noises when moving your jaw, such as clicking sounds
What Causes TMJ?
You can develop TMJ or TMD due to various causes. In some cases, a jaw injury may lead to this disorder. Or you might have it due to arthritis or inflammation that affects this joint. TMD can also happen if you’re under stress, which can make your jaw tense.
But one of the more common reasons it develops is teeth grinding or bruxism, frequent clenching strains the muscles in the joint. Having problems with your bite or jaw alignment can cause TMD, too.
What Can Make TMJ Worse?
TMJ disorder symptoms can make daily life uncomfortable, even when they’re mild. Certain actions or activities can worsen these symptoms, affecting your quality of life even more. Using your teeth to open packaging, for example, can trigger more severe pain due to added muscle strain. Avoid chewing on things that aren’t food, too, like your nails or ice.
Clenching your jaw throughout the day or while sleeping can also make TMD worse. Other habits that may have the same effect include being a stomach sleeper and having poor posture. Eating food in big bites rather than smaller ones increases muscle strain, triggering more severe TMJ symptoms, too.
When to Seek Treatment for TMJ/TMD
You might feel like you can manage symptoms on your own. But in some cases, you may need help to get this condition under control. Note that having TMD that’s untreated may lead to other problems, such as trouble eating or tooth damage from grinding your teeth.
Seeking TMJ treatment in Fort Myers, FL, helps you avoid these potential issues. With the right care, you can reduce soreness and other symptoms.
What Treatments Are Available for TMJ Disorders?
Our dental team can recommend different ways to manage TMD, such as:
- Taking OTC medication to ease pain
- Wearing a custom mouthguard to prevent you from grinding your teeth
- Managing stress
- Improving your posture
If you get a mouthguard, it’s an oral appliance you wear in your mouth while sleeping to stop you from clenching your jaw. We can provide a custom-made one that’s comfortable for you, allowing you to sleep better and wake up without pain.
Set Up a Visit Today for TMJ Treatment!
Are you seeking help managing a jaw joint problem? Our dental team at Truax Downtown Dental provides TMJ treatment in Fort Myers, FL, to help our patients enjoy relief from jaw soreness, headaches, and other symptoms.
