Do you suffer from frequent migraines? If you do, you know just how difficult they can be to treat.
How about jaw pain, neck pain, tooth pain or severe sensitivity when chewing?
TMD and TMJ Treatment
Neuromuscular therapy can be used to treat your TMD and TMJ issues
If you’ve answered yes to any of those questions, your underlying problem might be neuromuscular in nature. This means your issues may stem from muscle tension, which is usually a symptom of TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), a disorder that impacts your jaw joint(s).
The good news is that your issue can be diagnosed and treated, relieving your pain and improving the balance of your neuromuscular system.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder - Causes and Symptoms
You’ve probably heard the term “TMJ”, or the technical term: temporomandibular joint. This is the joint on your jaw that allows it to move. Anything you do with your mouth, from speaking to chewing to grinding your teeth, engages your TMJ.
People who have Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) have issues with this joint.
You may have heard the disorder called “TMJ” because it’s a common shorthand that’s often used, but is incorrect. More accurately, the TMJ is the joint itself and shouldn’t be confused with the conditions and discomfort of TMD.
There are a number of causes for TMD. You may have a bite that’s misaligned and in some cases early orthodontic treatment can lead to issues later in life if your teeth were straightened but your bite wasn’t aligned accurately. Or growth over time may result in misalignment.
You may grind your teeth in your sleep, or as a result of stress or anxiety, which can contribute to TMD.
Some symptoms that TMD sufferers may experience include:
- Jaw pain
- A clicking sound in your TMJ when you engage your jaw (chewing / speaking)
- Sore or stiff neck
- Tightness of the shoulders
- Frequent headaches
- Ear aches
- Difficulty chewing
- Wear on your teeth caused by grinding
- Tooth sensitivity
Can a Custom Nightguard Help with TMD Symptoms?
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can place significant pressure on the teeth, jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints. When these habits contribute to your discomfort, a custom nightguard may be recommended as part of your treatment plan.
A nightguard is worn while you sleep and creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Although it may not stop the grinding or clenching habit itself, it can help reduce direct tooth-to-tooth contact, protect against further wear and lessen some of the strain caused by excessive biting forces.
Nightguards are not appropriate for every type of jaw pain or TMD. Our dentists will assess your teeth, bite and symptoms before determining whether an appliance is suitable for you. Learn more about our custom nightguards in Calgary.
If you Suffer From Jaw Pain, Have an Assessment Done at Our Clinic
Do you find yourself suffering from regular jaw pain or neck / shoulder muscle pain? Do you ever hear clicking in your jaw when you chew or yawn, or suffer from regular headaches?
Any of those symptoms might be an indication that you should be assessed for TMD, and we’re here to help you find the root of your discomfort.
One of our highly trained dentists will evaluate your bite and recommend the best course of treatment so that your suffering will be a memory of the past.
If jaw pain, headaches, tooth wear or clicking in your jaw are affecting your comfort, don’t wait for the symptoms to become worse. The dentists at Alpha Dental Care can evaluate your teeth, bite and jaw function, identify factors that may be contributing to your discomfort and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Book your TMJ assessment today or call 403-252-7608 to speak with our Calgary dental team.
