Discover What’s Causing Your TMJ Symptoms
When you have a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), you will experience discomfort and strange sensations in your jaw. This pain is evidence of just some of the possible symptoms of a TMJ problem, and none will go away on their own. This serious condition can damage your oral health and alignment. Find out what’s really happening with your teeth and jaw and if you need TMJ therapy. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Charmaine Johnson at Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale.
Understanding the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
The TMJ are small, triangular-shaped joints that are positioned in front of the ears. They join the lower jaw to the temporal bone, allowing the mouth to easily open and close. At least, that’s what the TMJ is supposed to do. If the muscles and nerves around the jaw become irritated, the TMJ will become inflamed.
This is often caused by:
- Holding stress in the mouth and jaw
- Teeth grinding
- Teeth clenching
- Jaw misalignment
- Arthritis
Signs of a TMJ Problem
When TMJ is diagnosed, its presence is clear and you’ll wonder how you didn’t realize that was what you were dealing with all along. Unfortunately, the symptoms of TMJ problems can masquerade as other condition, both mental and physical. So instead of seeing your Fort Lauderdale dentist for accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment, you may see your primary care physician first and receive a misdiagnosis.
You’ll learn quickly that you haven’t gotten the right diagnosis when the symptoms continue. Only targeted, adequate treatment will stop the TMJ from being a problem and a pain. There are many possible symptoms that point to the need for TMJ therapy, including:
- Jaw pain
- Tender jaw
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty biting
- Discomfort when chewing
- A popping or clicking sound when you open the jaw
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Tension in the jaw
- Earaches
- Dizziness
- Hearing loss or tinnitus
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
Dental Problems Caused by TMJ Problems
It’s not just physical symptoms that point to a TMJ problem. The following oral health complications scream to your dentist that there could be a TMJ issue going on:
- Enamel erosion
- Cracked teeth
- Broken teeth
- Damaged dental work
- Gum recession
Grinding and clenching your teeth night after night without any cushion leads to serious oral health problems. Teeth exert incredible pressure on each other – but they’re only supposed to do so when you eat, not any other time. This abnormal and often unconscious action can leave you with a TMJ problem and plenty of dental problems that turn into serious complications.
If you want to save your teeth from destruction and unnecessary deterioration and you believe a TMJ issue is to blame, see your Fort Lauderdale right away.
Types of TMJ Therapy
There are a handful of types of TMJ therapy that can interfere with teeth grinding, but the most effective solution is a customized night guard. Also called a bite guard or mouthguard, the night guard is a customized appliance that is fitted to your upper arch of teeth and worn while you sleep every night.
The clear tray is a tough acrylic plastic that clicks over your teeth and prevents them from crunching into each other. The presence of the night guard delivers immediate relief, stopping sleep bruxism in its tracks as well as the side effects.
Your dentist may have other suggestions for repairing your TMJ besides this easy solution. Aligning your smile with Invisalign may be the right way to alter your bite permanently and combat TMJ problems.
Visit Your Fort Lauderdale Dentist for TMJ Therapy
If you wake up with headaches every day, if your jaw aches all the time, or if you are experiencing dental problem after dental problem, talk to your Fort Lauderdale dentist at Premier Smile Center to find out whether you need TMJ therapy to protect your teeth and oral health overall, and save yourself from pain and discomfort.