If your dental professional has conducted an assessment during your dental treatment and determined that you have TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder then you’ve probably experienced discomfort already. TMJ is caused by inflammation of the muscles and ligaments on your jaw joints. It is more common than you think and affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40 most often.

What Causes TMJ?

Injury to the ligaments and muscles on your jaw is the cause of TMJ. These injuries result from teeth grinding or bruxism, dislocation, arthritis, acute trauma, an improper bite, or stress.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?

•       Headaches
•       Jaw, neck, or shoulder pain
•       Difficulty opening your jaw wide
•       Earaches
•       Clicking or popping sounds when speaking
•       Tinnitus
•       Swelling
•       Tooth pain

How Can I Ease TMJ Symptoms at Home?

There are many options to ease the symptoms of TMJ in the comfort of your home. Try using hot/cold packs and over-the-counter pain relievers. Begin introducing softer foods into your daily diet. Try wearing a nightguard when you sleep to prevent tooth grinding.

How Can My Dentist Help My TMJ Symptoms?

There are a few steps your dental professional can take to help ease your symptoms more effectively. These include electrical nerve stimulation or TENS to relax the tense jaw muscles, ultrasound treatments to alleviate soreness, injections at the trigger point, radio wave therapy to improve blood flow to the area, and Botox to give longer-lasting inflammation relief.

Learn More About Treating TMJ Symptoms

Mountain Town Dental has qualified and experienced professionals on-site to assist you with TMJ relief. Contact us today for a private examination and assessment.