You Don’t Have To Suffer From TMJ Disorder

Nothing can derail your day like a headache. It can be especially exhausting if you suffer from them consistently. What’s more, is that there are so many potential causes behind them — dehydration, stress, and missed meals are all culprits. Headaches can also be caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. These are the joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull and can become misaligned or unbalanced. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, dentist discusses the causes and treatments of this disorder. 

What Are The Typical Symptoms?

If you frequently suffer from headaches, earaches, migraines, and jaw popping, you may have a TMJ Disorder. Overall facial and jaw soreness can be typical signs as well. If you suffer from a misaligned jaw, you can also develop bruxism, or severe teeth grinding. Both TMJ and Bruxism are often associated with one another. If you experience any of these symptoms and have yet to find a cause, you could very well have TMJ Disorder. If any of the above symptoms apply to you, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist. The longer either TMJ disorder or bruxism goes untreated, the more damage your teeth will endure. 

Why Is It So Painful?

It is so painful because the joints that connect your jaw to your skull contain a vast network of nerves. Moreover, you use these joints for a wide array of activities like talking, eating, and biting. We can’t exactly stop doing any of these, so an unbalanced jaw is almost always in motion — aggravating the pain.  While the discomfort primarily affects your head, neck, and mouth, it can also be felt all the way down in the shoulders and lower back. Needless to say, this disorder

How Do We Treat It?

When you first come in, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth and jaw. If they determine there is a misalignment or it is unbalanced in any way, they will take digital images and make a precise impression of your mouth. From there, they will create a unique, custom oral appliance — similar to a mouthguard — that will reposition your jaw into a healthy alignment. This will ultimately ease the stress and strain on your jaw joints. If you suffer from bruxism as well, the appliance can also prevent teeth grinding. Over time, your headaches and any other associated pain should dissipate. If you do experience any of these symptoms, make sure to bring them up when you come in for your regular checkups and cleanings.

Schedule An Appointment to Learn More About TMJ Disorder

To discuss your symptoms and treatments, do not hesitate to contact Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry in Dallas, TX at 972-329-7645. You can also visit us at 10210 Scyene Rd. Dallas, TX 75227.