TMJ dysfunction affects thousands of patients in the US, but although this disorder is fairly common, you may not be aware that you have it or understand how serious an effect it can have on your health. If you often experience headaches or have a problem with grinding your teeth at night, it could be a sign of TMD. The team at Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY, is here today to talk about the common symptoms you may experience with TMJ and the simple, effective treatment that may be able to relieve your discomfort.
Frequent Headaches And Jaw Discomfort
Headaches and discomfort around your jaw, neck, or ears is often a symptom of TMD. Because your jaws are misaligned, these joints may be under extra tension, causing pain. It can seem straightforward to put off this symptom and take over-the-counter pain relievers to improve your comfort. However, having headaches or jaw discomfort on a daily basis can be debilitating and can severely decline your quality of life. This chronic issue can make it difficult to concentrate and complete tasks. If your headaches are accompanied by other symptoms, see a doctor.
Limited Range Of Motion
In some cases, these frequent headaches or discomfort around your jaw could cause inflammation around the joints and muscle spasms. When this occurs, you might experience difficulty opening or closing your mouth, chewing, or speaking. This can be a cause for concern, as this chronic discomfort can make daily functions very difficult. If you have experienced a combination of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with your dentist. Our team may be able to closely examine your jaw and smile, evaluate your symptoms, and potentially diagnose you with TMJ dysfunction. After a diagnosis has been made, we can create a custom treatment plan to reduce your symptoms. A custom oral appliance along with physical therapy may be able to help relieve your discomfort.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Have you noticed that your teeth are sensitive or have become rapidly worn down? This may be a result of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. You may unknowingly be grinding your teeth when you sleep as a way to relieve the strain put on your jaw. When this happens frequently, it can wear down your teeth and put you at risk of more significant damage. In addition to relieving TMD with an oral appliance, we may also use restorative treatments like dental crowns and fillings to repair damage done by bruxism.
Learn More About TMJ Treatments Today
Don’t let discomfort from jaw problems get in the way of your day. To learn more about our non-surgical treatments for this condition, call Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY, today at (307) 672-7567.
