Do you suffer from chronic jaw pain? Do you often find yourself clenching your jaw? You may suffer from a TMJ disorder. Temporomandibular joint disorders stem from problems with the temporomandibular joints which connect the jawbone to the skull.
Patients with a misaligned bite or crooked and overcrowded teeth are more prone to developing a TMJ disorder. However, there are some common signs and multiple treatment options to help patients identify and treat the source of their pain.
Common symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:
- Grinding or clenching teeth
- Chronic migraines or headaches
- Limited jaw mobility
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Earaches
If you have noticed any of these signs, you may have a TMJ disorder. Call Bella Smiles nearest location today to request an appointment with one of our dentists.
How Stress Affects TMJ Disorders
Many don’t realize that stress can make TMJ symptoms worse. When you’re stressed, you might clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night without even noticing. Over time, this puts extra pressure on your jaw joint and can lead to more pain.
Finding ways to relax, like deep breathing exercises or gentle jaw stretches, may help ease tension. If stress is a major factor in your TMJ disorder, your dentist can suggest ways to protect your jaw while you work on reducing stress.
Everyday Habits That Can Worsen TMJ Pain
Certain daily habits might be making your jaw pain worse without you realizing it. Chewing gum frequently, biting your nails, or resting your chin on your hand can strain your jaw joint. Even poor posture, like slouching at your desk, can put extra stress on your neck and jaw.
Paying attention to these small habits and making changes can help reduce TMJ discomfort. Your dentist can give you tips on how to adjust your daily routine to protect your jaw.
How TMJ Disorders Affect Sleep
TMJ disorders don’t just cause pain during the day. They can also disrupt your sleep. Jaw clenching or grinding at night (known as bruxism) can lead to soreness, headaches, and even cracked teeth. Some people with TMJ disorders also experience ear pain or ringing, which makes it harder to fall asleep.
A custom night guard from your dentist can help by cushioning your jaw and preventing damage from grinding. Improving your sleep position, like sleeping on your back instead of your stomach, might also relieve pressure on your jaw.
When to See a Dentist About Jaw Pain
Occasional jaw discomfort is common, but if your pain lasts more than a few weeks or keeps coming back, it’s time to see a dentist. Other warning signs include trouble opening or closing your mouth fully, loud clicking or popping sounds when you chew, or frequent headaches. The sooner you get help, the easier it is to treat TMJ problems before they cause more serious damage. Your dentist can examine your jaw, diagnose the issue, and recommend the best treatment to get you feeling better.
Treating TMJ Disorders
Dr. Diana Pop and the professional dental team at Bella Smiles Roslyn make it their mission to provide comfortable and comprehensive care to their patients. Before treatment, Dr. Pop will assess your teeth and gums and review your budget and goals to ensure that you get treatment that best aligns with your specific needs.
A custom mouthguard or splint is often a conservative first step, used early in treatment and not needed as a long-term solution. A dental split can be helpful to help identify a comfortable and stable bite position. It is often a treatment for teeth clenching and grinding which often accompany TMJ disorders.
For patients with tooth damage, restorative dental treatments may be necessary to repair teeth and restore a comfortable bite. Restorative dental treatments allow the jaw to open and close in its proper position and eliminates stress on the jaw joints. These treatments can include dental crowns, dental veneers or tooth bonding.
If crooked and misaligned teeth are the cause of your bite problem, Dr. Pop may recommend orthodontic treatment to help restore balance to your bite. Invisalign can be used to help patients correct bite problems. Using a series of clear aligners, Invisalign gradually shifts teeth into a straighter position. Dr. Pop is an Invisalign provider in Roslyn, NY.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Call Bella Smiles at Roslyn for comprehensive treatment today at (516) 217-6668. You can also request an appointment with our professional team online. Dr. Pop and her staff will make sure that treatment runs smoothly every step of the way.