Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD, TMJ) refers to pain and malfunction of the muscles that move the jaw and the joints connecting the jaw bone to the skull. Thankfully, there are ways to ease a jaw irritated by TMD or related issues like sleep apnea and headaches.
In certain cases, the answer is yes. Certain nonsteroidal medications can be helpful for alleviating pain; if over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, are not enough to dispel your discomfort, see a doctor for heavier medicines.
Great question. A custom dental night guard can diminish damaging effects such as tooth wear that can result from unconsciously grinding and clenching the teeth at night. The mouth guard is specifically made for your teeth and part of a specialized TMJ treatment plan created by the dentist.
Learning ways to relax can reduce the amount of pain being felt. Relaxation, when properly done, can help reduce muscle tension in the jaw to the point of being tolerable. If stress reduction is part of your TMD treatment plan, the dentist may suggest you pursue counseling or other options.
Yes, the alignment – or, in this case, misalignment – of the upper and lower jaw when you bite contributes to the pain. Therefore, bite correction is another strategy for alleviating TMJ pain. There are many methods, including altering the tooth height, putting in porcelain veneers, using dental appliances, or shaping the teeth.
Only a dentist that specializes in TMJ treatment can address bite correction and other ways to alleviate the jaw-related symptoms. This specialist can address not only aesthetic issues but also the jaw joint that is a major contributor to the discomfort being felt. Placing the jaw joint into its proper position will help to correct the bite.
To schedule a no-cost consultation today with our office, call us today at 713-590-9777. The appointment will focus on the options available to you to address the jaw health issues.
