If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking sounds, or headaches, you might be dealing with TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition affects the joint connecting your jaw to your skull and can make daily activities like eating, speaking, and sleeping uncomfortable. At Henderson Family Dental, we offer TMJ treatment in Dallas, TX dental office to relieve headaches, jaw pain, and tooth wear. TMJ treatment is a part of our restorative dentistry treatments that renew the look and function of your teeth and gums.
What is the TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. This joint helps you open and close your mouth and allows you to talk and chew. When this joint doesn’t work properly, it can lead to pain and other symptoms. TMJ disorders are referred to as TMD or TMJ.
What Causes TMD?
Several things can cause TMJ disorders. One common cause is jaw injuries, like getting hit in the face or an accident that affects the jaw. Another cause is arthritis, which can make the jaw joint painful and stiff. Some people get TMJ disorders from grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw, especially when they are stressed or anxious.
Tooth or jaw misalignment can also cause TMJ problems because it makes the jaw move in a way that isn’t natural. If you have issues with your jaw, talk to our dentist to find out what might be causing your TMJ disorder and get the right treatment.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Here are some signs that you might be experiencing TMD:
- Jaw pain
- Morning headaches
- Toothaches
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Teeth clenching and grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth clenching and grinding, also known as bruxism, is one of the most prominent symptoms of TMD. Often, it happens because people are stressed or anxious. When you’re feeling nervous or tense, you might clench your jaw or grind your teeth without even realizing. If your jaw is out of alignment or painful, it can lead to clenching and grinding as your body tries to adjust.
If you have symptoms of TMD, including teeth grinding, getting help is essential. We offer several treatments in our Dallas office to help you feel better.
TMJ Treatment in Dallas, TX
Before treatment, we will examine your occlusion or how your teeth come together. We may take digital X-rays to get a complete view of your teeth, gums, and jaw. X-rays help us find problems in the jaw that we cannot see with a visual exam. Our office will also consider your current symptoms before we recommend TMJ treatment.
Common TMJ treatments include:
Nightguards
One of the most effective ways to manage TMJ is with a nightguard. A nightguard is a custom-made device that you wear while you sleep.
If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard cushions your upper and lower teeth. This helps protect your teeth and reduces the stress on your jaw. A nightguard can help relieve jaw pain and headaches by reducing grinding and protecting your teeth. With less pain and grinding, you’ll likely sleep more soundly.
To get a nightguard, we’ll first take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fit device. This ensures that your nightguard is comfortable and effective. Technicians in a dental lab will create your nightguard from hard acrylic material.
Once your custom nightguard is complete, you will return to our office. We will make adjustments to ensure it fits evenly and feels comfortable.
Physical Therapy
In many cases, working with a physical therapist is useful if you have TMJ disorder. If you work with a physical therapist, they will help guide you through exercises designed to improve jaw movement and reduce pain.
Special exercises can help reduce muscle tension and pain in your jaw. It also improves movement. Physical therapy exercises can help you open your mouth wider and move your jaw more comfortably.
A physical therapist can show you how to use your jaw correctly to avoid further problems. Physical therapy is often used along with other treatments, like nightguards, to provide comprehensive relief.
Lifestyle Changes
Making some changes to your daily routine can also help manage TMJ symptoms. Here are some tips to consider:
- Eat Soft Foods: Eating softer foods can really help if you have TMJ. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups are easy on your jaw and don’t require a lot of chewing. When you’re getting TMJ treatment at our Dallas, TX office, choosing these softer foods can make your jaw feel more comfortable. It reduces the strain on your jaw muscles and can make eating less painful.
- Manage Stress: Stress can make you grind your teeth and clench your jaw. When you’re feeling stressed, your body might respond by tightening up, including your jaw muscles. To help with this, it’s important to find ways to relax. Things like meditation or regular exercise can make a difference. Meditation helps calm your mind, while exercise can reduce overall stress and help you feel more relaxed.
- Use Heat or Cold Packs: Applying a warm or cold pack to your jaw can help reduce pain and swelling in your jaw. Use a warm pack to relax muscles and a cold pack to reduce inflammation. We often recommend an ice pack if you have just injured your jaw. If you have a TMJ flare-up, use heat.
- Maintain Good Posture: Poor posture can make TMJ symptoms worse. When you slouch or hunch over, it puts extra pressure on your jaw, making your TMJ pain worse. To help reduce this pressure, try to sit up straight with your shoulders back. Keeping your head level and not leaning forward will help your jaw stay more comfortable. Good posture helps relieve some of the strain on your jaw and can improve TMJ symptoms.
Treat TMD Today
Call Henderson Family Dental for TMJ treatment in our Dallas, TX, dental office at 214-253-4868. You can also schedule an appointment with us online. If you have questions about your treatment, please let us know at your next visit. We’re here to help you.