The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) connects the jawbone to the skull and gives your jaw a wide range of motion. Temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD, are conditions that affect the function of the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. TMD can cause pain and discomfort and affect your quality of life. TMJ disorders affect millions of people and cause painful symptoms. Horizon Family Dental Care offers TMJ treatment in Baltimore, MD, for patients who suffer from this condition.
What Causes My TMJ Disorder?
Many things can trigger a TMJ disorder. However, the true causes are still not fully understood. The following conditions and factors may contribute to the development of TMJ disorders:
- Trauma or injury to the jaw joint or the muscles surrounding the jaw.
- Arthritis, which can cause inflammation and damage to the joint.
- Stress or anxiety can cause clenching or grinding of the teeth, leading to muscle tension in the jaw.
- Misaligned bite, teeth, or jaw, which can cause the muscles and joints to work harder to bring the jaw into position.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorders?
The symptoms of a TMJ disorder can be painful and affect your life. Symptoms can be mild or intense and complex to manage. The signs of a TMJ disorder are similar to those of other medical conditions. Diagnosing some patients can be difficult for this reason.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Baltimore dentist if you suffer from some of the following TMJ symptoms:
- Jaw pain or tenderness in the joints and muscles around the jaw
- Difficulty or discomfort when opening or closing the mouth
- Clicking sounds, popping, or grating sounds when moving the jaw
- Aching pain in or around the ear
- Headaches or neck pain
- Grinding teeth at night or teeth clenching (bruxism)
- Changes in the way the teeth fit together
Choosing Our Dental Office for TMJ Treatment
As a restorative dentist, Dr. Arif Masood has experience renewing tooth and bite function. TMJ treatments are a part of the restorative dental treatments Dr. Masood provides at Horizon Family Dental Care. If you have TMJ symptoms, Dr. Masood will create a custom treatment plan to fit your needs.
He will also perform a complete exam and examine your bite. If necessary, Dr. Masood may refer you for surgery if you have severe symptoms.
Review your TMJ Treatment Options in Baltimore, MD
If you have symptoms of TMJ disorder, your dentist will examine your teeth and jaw and discuss your lifestyle habits. Your dentist can suggest the best treatment to relieve your TMJ symptoms. Ultimately, the best way to treat TMJ disorders is to rest the jaw joints as much as possible.
However, we understand this may be hard, and some damage may have already occurred. A common sign of TMJ is teeth grinding. This habit alone can create a lot of damage to your teeth.
Before TMJ therapy, we will examine your teeth, jaw, and bite. During this TMJ exam, we will:
- Listen for jaw-popping and clicking
- Look for crooked and misaligned teeth
- Measure the bite
- Look for signs of tooth wear or damage
Our dentist will also recommend dental X-rays to look for jaw or tooth damage. After your exam, our dentist may recommend any of the following to treat your TMJ:
Oral Appliance Therapy
A dental oral appliance is a tool dentists use to help patients who suffer from teeth grinding. Teeth grinding or clenching is a common cause or symptom of TMJ disorders.
Often referred to as a TMJ nightguard, you wear this oral appliance while you sleep. We custom-make your nightguard so that it fits snuggly in your mouth. The appliance keeps your jaw in the proper position while you sleep to prevent grinding and relieve tension on the jaw joints. Your TMJ nightguard will also prevent tooth wear from teeth clenching and grinding.
To learn more about how mouthguards can treat teeth grinding, visit Custom Mouthguards.
Restorative Dentistry
For patients with tooth damage from constant teeth grinding, we offer several restorative dentistry treatments to fix the damage. Constant grinding and clenching can lead to worn, chipped, or cracked teeth.
Restorative treatment includes dental crowns, tooth bonding, dental veneers, or other necessary dental treatments. Learn more about our various restorative treatments by visiting Restorative Dentistry.
Invisalign
If your teeth are crooked or out of alignment, you may benefit from Invisalign. This clear aligner orthodontic treatment can slowly bring your teeth into proper alignment. Invisalign is discreet and more comfortable than metal braces.
However, we may not recommend Invisalign if you clench and grind your teeth. Bruxism can damage your aligners. Learn how Invisalign treatment works by visiting Invisalign.
Lifestyle Changes
Our dentist will also discuss things you can do at home to reduce the tension you put on your jaw. Specific lifestyle changes may be all you need to rest your jaw. Our dentist may suggest avoiding chewy foods, focusing on soft foods, reducing stress, and using relaxation techniques. However, in some cases, you may require advanced treatment such as muscle relaxants or even surgery.
Does TMJ Go Away Without Treatment?
In some cases, stress can cause TMJ problems that improve without professional care. However, it isn’t likely that your TMJ disorder will go away on its own. If left untreated, TMJ symptoms will often worsen over time. Ultimately, you may need TMJ surgery if your symptoms become severe. Left untreated, TMJ disorders can lead to sleep problems, tooth damage, frequent headaches, and gum recession.
Contact our dentist if you experience jaw pain, morning headaches, or teeth clenching and grinding. If you have mild symptoms, we may recommend lifestyle changes. However, depending on the severity and frequency of your symptoms, you may need a nightguard and physical therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment
If you are experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or discomfort, you may have questions about TMJ disorder and its treatment. Below, we’ve compiled the most common questions about the treatment of TMJ to help you understand your options and find relief. Phone our dental office if you would like to schedule a consultation or further questions.
Can stress worsen TMJ disorder?
Yes, stress can worsen TMJ disorder. When you are under a lot of stress, you are likely to clench your jaw and teeth without realizing it. This increases the strain on your jaw muscles and joints, worsening pain and discomfort. Stress also tends to make you more sensitive to pain, so the symptoms of TMJ worsen.
Can TMJ disorder cause headaches?
Yes, TMJ disorder can cause headaches. When the jaw joint is not working right, it can lead to pain that spreads to your head. The muscles around your jaw can get tight and sore, triggering headaches. Many people with TMJ problems often have headaches as a symptom.
What foods should I avoid if I have TMJ?
If you have TMJ, it’s best to avoid hard, chewy, or tough foods. Stay away from:
- Steak and beef jerky
- Gum and sticky candy
- Bagels and crusty bread
- Whole apples and raw carrots
- Hard nuts and seeds
- Ice (don’t chew it)
These foods can make your jaw work too hard and cause more pain. Instead, choose softer foods that are easier to chew
Does a mouthguard help relieve TMJ pain?
Yes, a mouthguard can reduce TMJ pain. It reduces teeth grinding and clenching, which removes pressure from the jaw joint and muscles. A custom mouthguard is quite helpful because it puts the jaw in the correct position, relaxing muscles and reducing pain. While not a cure, it relieves and prevents further damage.
Can TMJ disorder cause tooth pain?
Yes, TMJ disorder can cause tooth pain. This happens because the pain from your jaw can spread to your teeth. Also, people with TMJ often clench or grind their teeth, which can make them sore. If you have tooth pain that won’t go away, you should discuss the issue with your dentist.
Is there a link between TMJ disorder and sleep apnea?
Yes, there is a link between TMJ disorder and sleep apnea. Many people with TMJ problems also have trouble sleeping. When someone has sleep apnea, their airway can close up, making their body push the lower jaw forward to breathe better. This constant jaw movement at night can stress the jaw joint, leading to TMJ pain. Also, poor sleep from sleep apnea can make TMJ symptoms feel worse.
Will TMJ disorder come back after treatment?
Yes, TMJ disorder can come back even after treatment. While treatments help reduce pain and improve jaw movement, things like stress, teeth grinding, or injury can cause symptoms to return. To prevent this, keep good habits like avoiding hard foods, managing stress, and wearing a night guard if needed. Regular appointments and checkups with your dentist can also help keep your jaw healthy and catch any issues early.
Treat TMJ Pain Today with TMJ Treatment in Baltimore, MD
TMJ disorders can be very painful and interfere with your quality of life. Our Baltimore dental team can help you find relief from the painful symptoms. To learn more about our TMJ treatment in Baltimore, MD, schedule an appointment in our Baltimore dental office today.