TMJ Can be Treated by a General Dentist

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.

Symptoms

• Jaw pain or jaw tenderness
• Pain in the area where your lower and upper jaws conjoin
• Pain in or around the ears
• Pain while chewing or weakness in the jaw while chewing
• Throbbing or aching pain in the face
• Locking or stiffening of the jaw can make it hard to open your mouth
• Neck or shoulder pain, headaches, or tinnitus

It is important to see your dentist as soon as you recognize these symptoms to ensure the best outcomes. 

How to treat and be treated

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. 

The best treatment is prevention

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.

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