The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on either side of the mouth and act as hinges that connect the jawbone and skull. Unfortunately, not everyone’s TMJ work properly, and this dysfunction causes pain, discomfort, and dental damage. The good news is that TMJ treatment is easy to implement and offers almost immediate relief. Here are just some of the signs that you might need a dental intervention.
1. You grind and clench your teeth at night.
It may be your partner who makes you aware of your unconscious teeth grinding and clenching at night when you’re sleeping, but this behavior can also occur during daytime hours.
2. You suffer from a lot of seemingly unrelated pain.
When you wake in the morning after teeth grinding and clenching, you’re likely to suffer from headaches, a sore jaw, limited jaw mobility, pain, tenderness, even stiff shoulders and ringing ears. While these are all symptoms and signs of TMJ issues, many people assume that they’re a medical problem that needs attention from a primary care physician. TMJ is often misdiagnosed by a doctor as chronic migraines or arthritis.
3. You have a lot of dental problems.
Your teeth put a lot of pressure on each other when they grind against each other, which can lead to a buffet of oral health problems, including gum recession, enamel erosion, broken teeth, damaged dental work, and more.
4. You suffer from chronic stress.
Many people carry stress in their jaw and mouth, holding their mouth tightly. TMJ problems can be temporary and situational, reduced when the primary stressor is eliminated from a person’s life. In the meantime, dental intervention can help minimize the problem.
5. You’ve tried to fix the problem yourself.
Have you self-diagnosed with a TMJ problem? You may also try to self-treat too, with an over-the-counter appliance. Unfortunately, these bite and boil options don’t offer a high degree of protection because the fit is poor. In fact, this “help” could do more harm than good.
Customized Mouthguard for TMJ Treatment
The most common and effective TMJ treatment offered by your Manhattan Beach dentist is a customized mouthguard, sometimes referred to as a nightguard for sleep bruxism, an oral appliance that you wear while sleeping. Here are some of the many benefits of a mouthguard:
- Significantly decreases discomfort
- Alternative to more invasive treatments
- Reduces strain on jaw joints
- Protects teeth from damage
The night guard is customized to a patient’s mouth and is a little bit bulky, but that’s a good thing. The appliance creates a buffer against the excessive force of your teeth and reduces stress on the TMJ.
Get TMJ Treatment at Manhattan Beach Dentist Near Me
Some people are simply born with poorly positioned TMJ. Others suffer from chronic stress and teeth grinding. This ongoing problem and the pain that accompanies it can be easily corrected with a visit to your Manhattan Beach dentist at Beachside Smiles. Schedule a consultation and get fitted for a mouthguard to protect your oral health and eliminate your pain.
