When you have persistent headaches, or even popping or clicking in the jaw, this could indicate the presence of TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. The disorder could also be linked to chronic teeth grinding, known as bruxism. In today’s blog, your Mansfield, TX, dentist talks about how we prevent headaches and help smiles with TMJ treatment.
The Causes of TMJ Disorder
How does a disorder like TMD develop? The issue starts when your jaw joints undergo strain, which could be due to imbalance caused by missing teeth, injury to the jaw or face, or issues with the growth of the jaw itself. The arrival of wisdom teeth could be a factor, as could the presence of bruxism. High stress levels could also be a potential factor. As part of your treatment, we will assess the cause of your strain, so we can choose the most appropriate treatment option.
Warning Signs of TMD
How do you know if you need to see us for treatment? People with TMJ disorder often report a clicking or popping in their jaw, discomfort when they open and close their mouth, and trouble with pain in the face or jaw. There could be aches in the neck and shoulders too, and if they grind their teeth, painful toothaches and sensitivity. If you have persistent pain in your smile then reach out to our team today to learn more.
Sleep Appliance Therapy
For most people, we offer relief with an oral appliance, similar to what we treat sleep apnea with. The sleep appliance device will be custom-made for your smile based on images and impressions we take of your bite. The finished product looks like a mouthguard and is worn while you sleep at night. When in place, this helps adjust your jaw to ease tension and strain so you avoid symptoms. If you grind your teeth, this also acts as a soft barrier to prevent further damage to your teeth. The appliance is easy to use and clean, and it can travel with you too!
Lifestyle Changes
Our team also discusses changes to your daily routine to help protect your smile. For example, try to cut back on hard or chewy foods that could strain your jaw and facial muscles. Avoid caffeinated products too, and use a warm washcloth to ease strain in the facial muscles. If you have any questions about how we help TMJ disorder and bruxism with a custom sleep appliance, then contact our team today to learn more and start your treatment journey.
Our Team Provides TMJ Treatment
We want to help you enjoy good oral health and avoid complications like jaw pain and headaches, with a custom oral appliance. To learn more about treating TMD and bruxism, or schedule your appointment, call our Mansfield, TX, dental team today at 817-473-6227.
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