TMJ (or temporomandibular joint) disorders are a common cause of jaw, mouth, and sometimes head and neck pain, but the good news is it can often be treated by your general dentist. There are many causes for these disorders, but they are often difficult to discover. The most common causes are arthritis, injury, dislocation of the jaw, tooth or jaw being misaligned, and grinding of the teeth.
It is important to see your dentist as soon as you recognize these symptoms to ensure the best outcomes.
As TMJ can be caused by many different things, it is important to discuss the possible causes and your treatment options with a qualified general dentist. Treatments vary depending on the severity of symptoms and can change depending on the progression of your disorder. Your dentist may suggest simple at-home treatments that you can do, such as icing the affected area or taking common over-the-counter medications for symptom relief. If there are issues of grinding or stress grinding your teeth, you may need a nightguard or mouth plate. If the symptoms persist or worsen, they may prescribe muscle relaxers or possibly Botox ™. In some cases, oral splints or mouthguards may be prescribed by your dentist. These treatments should be discussed with a trusted general dentist.
It is possible that your dentist will suggest reshaping uneven teeth to fix an uneven bite. This can be done in the office in many situations utilizing the CEREC method for crowns. Depending on the cause of the symptoms, your dentist conduct further testing to be sure of your diagnosis.
Ensuring that you have a healthy mouth is important to prevent, but other options are available for preventing TMJ disorders symptoms. Some exercises and stretches may help as well as treating symptoms early, having regular visits with your general dentist, avoiding rough or hard foods, avoiding chewing gum, and not using your mouth as a tool such as for opening bottles. Following your dentist's recommendations and maintaining good oral health can also help prevent damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw. Remember that one of the best ways to keep good oral health is to brush and floss at least twice a day, and preferably after meals.
Request an appointment here: https://whiteflintfamilydental.com or call White Flint Family Dental at (301) 273-1085 for an appointment in our Rockville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ Dentist in Rockville, MD.
A TMJ dentist is a dentist who is trained in general dentistry but continues their education with a focus on the temporomandibular joint and its disorders. They spend their days treating general dental conditions, however, much of their efforts are spent diagnosing, managing, and treating TMJ disorders.TMJ dentists are great resources to utilize when suffering…
Teeth grinding, clenching and TMJ can cause major damage to your mouth over time. This damage can become so bad that it requires reconstruction.A procedure like this can be invasive, time-consuming and painful. Since reconstructive surgery is a very extreme treatment, it is best to take preventative steps early on to give yourself the best…
Along with swelling and pain, consistently bleeding gums can be a symptom of gum disease. There are two main types of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis, with the latter being a more advanced version. In serious cases, this condition can ultimately result in tooth loss. It is helpful to understand who may be more susceptible…
When sudden dental pain occurs, an emergency dentist can provide critical relief and timely treatment. A toothache often appears unexpectedly, disrupting daily activities or restful sleep at night, signaling that you need urgent dental care. Understanding what steps to take when this type of pain occurs can help prevent further complications to your teeth and…
Along with swelling and pain, consistently bleeding gums can be a symptom of gum disease.…
When sudden dental pain occurs, an emergency dentist can provide critical relief and timely treatment.
Bleeding gums can be a frustrating and worrying symptom. It can be especially bothersome if…
Food and drink have a lot to do with oral health, but certain medications can…
Are you exploring tooth replacement options? An implant restoration offers a durable and natural-looking solution…
Individuals who experience bleeding gums while brushing should not necessarily be overly alarmed, because it…
