Millions of individuals suffer from head, neck, and dental pain associated with jaw disorders. Many of these cases stem from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
TMJ issues arise in the joints that attach a person’s lower jaw to the skull and facilitate the movements needed for biting, chewing, and speaking. TMJ disorder (TMD) occurs when teeth, facial muscles, and the temporomandibular joint are out of alignment. A common cause of this misalignment is the excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth, known as “bruxism.” Interestingly (though, sadly, not in a fun way), the relationship between bruxism and TMJ disorders goes both ways, as TMJ discomfort can cause individuals to excessively grind or clench their teeth, creating a negative cycle.
Beyond Bruxism: Other Causes of TMJ Pain
Beyond bruxism, a variety of factors can contribute to TMJ pain:
- Joint inflammation from arthritis
- Trauma to the head, neck, or jaw
- Misalignment between the upper and lower teeth
- Stress-related tensing of facial and jaw muscles and clenching or grinding of the teeth
- Connective tissue damage in the TMJ from disorders like Ehlers-Danlos or Marfan syndrome
- Neck and jaw strain caused by poor posture
Common Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ dysfunction manifests in a variety of physical symptoms, including:
- Joint and muscle soreness in the jaw
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Locking or hampered movement of the jaw
- Excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth
- Flat or worn-down chewing surfaces, which lead to increased enamel wear
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures or brushing
- Damage to natural teeth or dental restorations like crowns or bridges
- Severe headaches
The Most Convenient Dental Appliance to Correct TMJ Pain
The most common device for treating TMJ pain and dysfunction is “occlusal splints,” also known as mouthguards or nightguards. These custom-crafted plastic mouthpieces fit over the upper teeth, protecting them—as well as crowns, bridges, and dentures—from the excessive wear of teeth grinding or clenching. Also, by providing this protection, night guards help to relieve TMJ-related tension and pain in muscles and joints.
Top-Quality TMJ Treatment in St. Augustine, FL
If you’re looking for a dentist in St. Augustine with experience and expertise in providing corrective care, from TMJ treatments to root canals, contact Dr. Jeremy Gordon and the friendly and knowledgeable Gordon Dental Associates team to schedule a consultation!