Do you have jaw pain and stiffness? Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), one of the conditions treated by your North Canton, OH, dentist, Dr. Julie Thomas, may help. TMJ treatment offered at the dental office provides a simple solution to pain and other symptoms.
Do these symptoms sound familiar?
TMJ affects the hinge joints located just below your ears. These joints make it possible to open and close your mouth and move your jaw from side to side. TMJ symptoms when the structures that make up the joints become damaged or inflamed. Although the cause isn't always obvious, TMJ pain can be caused by injuries, arthritis, problems with the discs in the joints, grinding your teeth while you sleep, stress, or a bite problem that could cause pain and inflammation.
Common TMJ symptoms include:
- Pain in your jaw or ear
- Stiffness in your jaw, neck, or shoulder muscles
- Popping or clicking sounds when you open or close your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth or trouble moving your jaw
- Temporary jaw locking
- Trouble chewing
- Tooth pain
- Bite changes
- Dizziness
- Facial swelling
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Abnormal wear and tear on teeth if you grind your teeth
What can be done to treat TMJ?
When your TMJ flares up, it can be helpful to:
- Apply warm compresses or ice packs to ease pain
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and inflammation
- Stick to soft foods
- Avoid yawning or placing your chin on your hands
- Try massage and stress reduction techniques to relieve muscle tension
If these things don't help, it's time to talk to your North Canton, OH, dentist about TMJ treatment. A special oral appliance worn over your teeth could help decrease pressure on your jaw and relieve your pain. The device is made by a dental laboratory using an impression made by your dentist.
Wearing the device while you sleep makes it impossible to grind your teeth. When pressure on your jaw decreases, you'll see an improvement in jaw pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. TM treatment will also reduce your risk of cracked, broken, or worn teeth due to clenching or grinding your teeth.
Could TMJ treatment improve your jaw pain? Call (330) 244-9081 to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Canton, OH, Dr. Thomas.