By Dentist At Plum Creek Kyle

A dull headache or a sore, aching jaw can make your day. For many, the pain is not a fleeting annoyance; it is a sign that something is amiss with the jaw joint. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your head. When this joint, or its surrounding muscles, becomes inflamed or strained, it can result in a variety of annoying symptoms, known as TMJ disorder.

Aside from a clicking or popping feel whenever you open your mouth, difficulty chewing, or a jaw that gets locked, these are typical signs of TMJ disorder. People with this disorder might also experience pain that radiates into their face, neck, and shoulders. However, patients with this condition often complain of chronic headaches. Most do not realize that head and neck pain has to do with dental function and thus initially seek advice from other specialists. It is here that a dentist steps in.

The Origin of the Problem: Understanding TMJ

The root cause of TMJ issues is usually due to the alignment of your teeth with one another, stress, or merely grinding your teeth at night. It’s estimated that over 10 million Americans have TMJ disorders, though many remain undiagnosed. That’s because symptoms might look like signs of some other ailments. A good dental examination is necessary in order to confirm if your pain is from your jaw joints.

When you visit a dental office with these problems, the focus is on a thorough evaluation. It’s a customized process that takes into account your dental past and daily habits. It’s an opportunity to find out if things like a misaligned bite or grinding at night are the actual culprits behind your pain. Determining the underlying reason is the foundation for lasting comfort and effective TMJ pain relief.

How Your Dentist Can Help: Your Road to Enduring Comfort

Your dentist has several non-surgical solutions. One of the best and easiest is a custom nightguard. In contrast to one-size-fits-all over-the-counter items, your custom nightguard is tailored from an impression of your teeth for an ideal fit. The oral appliance works by offering a shield between your upper and lower teeth. This stops you from clenching your teeth while sleeping and reduces pressure on your jaw muscles while asleep. By reducing this nightly stress, you might witness a reduction in morning headaches and jaw aches.

Other than nightguards, therapy can also help relax your jaw muscles. Exercises and therapy address inflammation or bite realignment for improvement in how your teeth fit. Your dentist will assist you in deciding the most appropriate combination of treatments best suited to your health needs.

Maintaining your smile is more than just preventing cavities; it’s about your overall health. Jawaches and headaches are an absolute indication that something is not in harmony in your body. Tackling these issues with your dentist not only stops pain but also maintains the well-being of your teeth and jaw joints for years to come.