TMJ Treatment in Milton
If you are suffering from jaw pain, clicking noises when you open your mouth or a limited range of motion when opening your mouth, you could be experiencing TMJ disorder. Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ for short, is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. You use this joint several times a day when chewing, talking, and yawning.
TMJ Disorders occur when this joint becomes irritated or out of place. You’ve likely heard many patients searching “dentist near me” that suffer from TMJ disorder symptoms.
TMJ can get worse the longer it is left untreated, so it is best to get checked out by one of our dentists at a dental clinic in Milton.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder occurs when you have pain or problems with your jaw joint and the muscles that surround the joint. Many people develop TMJ disorder over time and can be caused by multiple things.
Stress, Teeth Grinding, Jaw alignment can cause some patients to only feel slight pain while other patients may experience chronic pain that makes it difficult to eat or talk.
Common Symptoms Of TMJ Disorders
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening the mouth
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully
- Pain while chewing or speaking
- Headaches or ear pain
- Facial soreness or tightness
Visit a dentist in Milton to determine what could be causing your pain.
Causes Of TMJ Disorders
Multiple factors can cause TMJ disorder, common causes include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Jaw misalignment
- Stress and muscle tension
- Injury to the jaw
- Arthritis affecting the joint
- Poor bite alignment
Understanding the cause is essential in providing the right treatment.
What To Do If You Have TMJ
Cut down on activities that require you to use your jaw extensively, like chewing gum or biting into hard pieces of food.
Massage your jaw area with warm heat to relax the muscles and/or use an ice pack to lessen swelling.
Try not to stress out! The more relaxed you are, the less likely you will tense up your jaw.
Stop grinding your teeth.
TMJ Treatment Options
Treatment may vary based on the severity of your TMJ disorder.
Night Guards
These are often prescribed to reduce grinding and placing pressure on the jaw. Learn more about Sports Mouthguards & Night Guards.
Bite Adjustment
Bite adjustment can help realign your teeth and jaws into the proper position.
Physical Therapy
Simple physical therapy and exercise can help ease the muscles of your jaw.
Advanced Dental Treatment
Patients with severe TMJ symptoms may need more extensive dental treatment.
Visit your local dental clinic Milton for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
When To See A Dentist
Prolonged jaw pain that worsens or is affecting your ability to eat and talk should be looked at by your dentist.
Seeking professional treatment as soon as possible can reduce your chance of long term problems.
Tips to Prevent TMJ
- Don’t clench your jaw
- Stay aware of your posture
- Keep stress under control
- Wear a night guard if your dentist provides you with one
- Visit your dentist regularly
Call today if you have questions about TMJ disorder and schedule an appointment with one of our friendly Milton dentists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does TMJ feel like?
Symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw pain and limited jaw movement.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
Symptoms include jaw pain, facial pain, earaches, clicking or locking of the jaw.
What is the main cause of TMJ?
Teeth grinding, stress, jaw alignment and poor posture can cause TMJ disorder.
How long does TMJ pain last?
It depends on the severity of your condition. Any lasting pain should be checked by your dentist.
How is TMJ treated?
Treatment for TMJ will depend on the severity of your condition. See your dentist for a proper diagnosis.
Is TMJ considered a dental emergency?
Not necessarily but you should seek professional treatment as soon as possible to prevent long term effects.
Can TMJ cause headaches?
Yes, along with other symptoms like jaw pain and earaches.
Is TMJ serious?
Yes. If left untreated, TMJ can cause chronic pain and affect how well you can use your jaw.
When should I see a dentist for TMJ?
If you experience persistent jaw pain, clicking, popping or trouble opening your mouth fully, you should seek care.
The information provided is for general information purposes only and not intended to replace professional care. Please consult your physician or dentist for advice and diagnoses so you can be properly treated for your specific situation.
