If you wake up with jaw pain and headaches, you may have a TMJ problem. The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are sliding hinges that connect the skull to the jaw. When you injure or put stress on these joints, you can experience TMJ disorders (TMD). We recommend TMJ treatment in Nederland, TX, to restore mouth function and comfort. Restorative dentistry can also play a role in repairing damage caused by TMJ disorders.
TMJ dysfunction leads to painful problems, including nightly teeth grinding, headaches, and tooth wear. Treating TMJ disorders sooner rather than later can prevent permanent issues.
Common Signs of TMD
For some patients, TMD may be difficult to notice. However, there are some tell-tale symptoms of TMJ disorders:
- Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Earaches
- Tooth wear, chips, and cracks
- Jaw popping and clicking
- Pain when biting and chewing
Problems like teeth clenching and grinding often occur during sleep or unconsciously during the day. Noticing pain or strain in the jaw, morning headaches, and tooth pain can help you get the necessary care.
Additionally, because the TMJ aids in biting and chewing, TMJ problems can impact your diet. Eating crunchy or chewy foods may be harder when you experience jaw and facial pain.
TMJ Treatment in Nederland, TX
As soon as you notice TMJ dysfunction, contact our office. We will take X-rays to get a complete picture of your teeth, gums, and jaw. These X-rays can show how your bite comes together, signs of tooth wear, and more.
If you have TMD, our office may recommend one or more of these TMJ treatments:
Nightguard
A TMJ nightguard is an effective solution for teeth clenching and grinding, morning headaches, and jaw pain. Nightguards use acrylic to cover the upper or lower teeth. Because of the hard plastic materials, these oral appliances reduce the risk of unconsciously biting or chewing on the mouthguard.
The nightguard helps change your jaw position, bringing your lower jaw forward. Additionally, the nightguard protects your teeth against further tooth wear, chips, or cracks from constant teeth clenching and grinding.
In our office, we will measure your bite pressure to determine whether your bite is uneven. We will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a lab, where technicians create the nightguard. Then, we will ensure the splint fits your teeth comfortably.
Bite Equilibration
Did you know that crooked teeth can contribute to TMJ disorders? An unbalanced or bad bite puts pressure on the TMJ and jaw joints. Crooked teeth are a TMD risk factor.
Clear braces, dental crowns, and other treatments can create a balanced bite. With braces, we can treat crooked and misaligned teeth. Dental crowns, or caps, can cover one or more worn or broken teeth. Crowns add tooth structure to ensure your teeth come together properly.
Lifestyle Changes
Stress is a major contributor to TMJ flare-ups. Reducing stress, whether through medication, relaxation techniques, or other means, can reduce symptoms. Using a heating pad on your jaw can also reduce facial pain. We only recommend ice packs on your jaw if you have a new injury. Otherwise, heat will relax your muscles.
We may also recommend eating soft foods for several weeks as you begin TMJ treatment. Softer foods reduce pressure on your teeth and TMJ.
Physical Therapy
We often recommend physical therapy to help you reduce muscle tension in the upper body. A physical therapist will use massage and teach you exercises to improve your posture. Regular exercise for your arms, back, shoulders and face reduces muscle stiffness.
Surgery
We only recommend surgery for patients with severe TMJ problems. If you have a dislocated jaw, torn ligament, or other joint or muscle issue, our office will refer you to a surgeon. Maxillofacial surgery will permanently improve your TMJ function. Types of TMJ surgery can include open joint surgery, injecting fluid into the joint, or removing scar tissue.
TMJ Causes
There are several causes of TMJ, which can vary from person to person.
Jaw Injuries
One of the most common causes of TMJ is an injury to the jaw or head. A blow to the face from an accident, sports injury, or fall can damage the jaw joint. This injury can disrupt the normal function of the TMJ, leading to pain or difficulty moving the jaw. A sudden injury may cause the jaw to misalign, affecting how the joint works.
Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching
Another major cause of TMJ is teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, and jaw clenching. Some people grind their teeth while they sleep or when they are stressed. Over time, this pressure can wear down the teeth and strain the jaw joint. Constant grinding and clenching can lead to pain in the TMJ, headaches, and facial discomfort. If you have a habit of clenching your jaw during the day or at night, this could be a key factor in developing TMJ.
Poor Posture
Believe it or not, poor posture can contribute to TMJ. Slouching or sitting with your head leaning forward can put added pressure on your neck and jaw muscles. This strain can lead to discomfort in the TMJ area, headaches, and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. Over time, poor posture can make it harder for the TMJ to move smoothly, leading to pain and dysfunction.
Arthritis
Arthritis is another condition that can cause TMJ. Two main types of arthritis affect the jaw joint: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joint breaks down over time, leading to pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, causes joint inflammation, which can also affect the TMJ. Both types of arthritis can cause the joint to wear down, leading to TMJ symptoms.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress is a significant factor in many cases of TMJ. When a person is stressed or anxious, they may unconsciously tense their jaw muscles, leading to clenching or grinding. Stress also affects the way people sleep, which can worsen bruxism. The connection between stress and TMJ is strong, as it can trigger or worsen symptoms in people who are already prone to the condition.
Misalignment of the Teeth or Jaw
In some cases, TMJ may be caused by a teeth or jaw misalignment. When your bite is off, it can put uneven pressure on the jaw joint, leading to pain or dysfunction. This misalignment can result from an injury, genetics, or developmental issues. People with bite problems, such as overbite or underbite, may be more likely to develop TMJ.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Discover more about TMJ treatment in our Nederland, TX office with answers to these common questions:
What are the risk factors for TMJ?
Risk factors that increase your chance of developing a TMJ disorder include:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Arthritis
- Jaw injury
- Genetics
In some cases, you can control your risk of developing TMD. Others, however, are unavoidable. Visiting a dentist to treat painful symptoms can keep your TMJ disorder in check.
What worsens TMJ disorders?
Several habits can worsen your TMJ symptoms:
- Chewing gum
- Crunching on ice
- Using teeth as tools
- Eating hard and crunchy foods
Stop these bad habits to reduce jaw tension and pressure on your bite. Sometimes, eating soft foods for some time can help reduce strain on your joints and muscles.
How can I relax my jaw?
When you experience jaw pain, relaxing your jaw can help relieve it. To relax your jaw, gently place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, ensuring your teeth do not touch. Relaxing your jaw when you notice it tense up can reduce pressure on your facial muscles.
Can I wear a sports mouthguard for my TMJ disorder?
No, sports mouthguards are too bulky and do not provide proper protection against teeth clenching and grinding. They are cover the front of the top teeth. Custom-made sports mouthguards contain rubbery plastic that encourages teeth clenching. These mouthguards can also easily fall out of your mouth if worn during sleep.
Instead, get a TMJ nightguard. This custom-fitted oral appliance will protect your teeth and reduce bruxism.
Why does TMD cause ear pain?
Yes, in some cases, you may have ear pain due to TMD. The temporomandibular joints are located close to the ear canal. Pain from the TMJ can radiate throughout the face and affect the ears. As a result, you can experience your ears ringing and earaches.
How does posture impact the TMJ?
Yes, poor posture can worsen TMD symptoms. Hunching over with a forward head posture affects your jaw position. This shifts the lower jaw forward, impacting the bite. When your head, neck, and shoulders align properly, they exert less pressure on the joints or muscles.
When sitting or standing, keep your shoulders away from your ears. To reduce jaw clenching, keep your teeth apart. Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
What is the best position to sleep with TMJ?
The best position to sleep with TMJ is on your back. This position keeps your head, neck, and jaw in a neutral position. Sleeping on your back also reduces pressure on your jaw joints. You can use a supportive pillow to keep your head and neck aligned. Avoid sleeping on your stomach; it can strain your jaw. If you sleep on your side, keep your jaw relaxed and aligned.
Treat TMJ Today
Stop chronic migraines, jaw pain, and other painful TMJ symptoms. Schedule a dental appointment at Coastal Dental Care today or call 409-215-2035. Let us know if you have any questions about TMJ treatment. We’re here to help.