Do you feel a slight hitch when you open and close your mouth? Do you feel pain in your jaw or stuffiness in your ears? If so, you may be suffering from a temporomandibular disorder, also known as TMD or TMJ. This disorder can be very uncomfortable, but it is also treatable. Reach out to Wambaugh Dental today at 281.501.7849 to learn about the treatment options available?
What is Temporomandibular Disorder?
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain, as well as recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD.
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.
Symptoms of TMD?
- Pain in the jaw area
- Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
- Swelling on the sides of the face
- Muscle spasms in the jaw area
- A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
- Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth
Should you notice any of these symptoms, let your doctor know. Your dentist can help indicate the presence of TMD and create an effective treatment just for you.
Treating TMJ
When you have TMJ or TMD, finding treatment can seem challenging. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be. Along with a range of nonsurgical treatment options, there are a variety of medication options that can relieve the pain that you experience. For instance, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can relieve pain. If over-the-counter medications don’t reduce the discomfort, your dentist or doctor may offer you more potent medicines for a limited amount of time. For instance, one of the most common prescriptions is extra strength ibuprofen.
Antidepressants are another standard treatment for TMJ pain. Certain medications, like amitriptyline, can address depression. However, in lower doses, these medications can address bruxism, sleeplessness, and pain relief.
Some dentists also provide their patients with muscle relaxants. These medications can relieve the pain that TMJ and TMD disorders cause when you use them for a short period of time.
Whatever medication your dentist prescribes, ensure that you are following their instructions carefully. If you misuse the medications, you may find that you become dependent or even addicted to them.
How Can You Prevent TMD?
There are a few simple steps you can take at home or work to prevent TMD from becoming more severe or to prevent it from occurring:
- Relax your face — remember the rule: “Lips together, teeth apart.”
- Avoid grinding your teeth.
- Avoid constant gum chewing.
- Don’t cradle the phone receiver between your head and shoulder — either use a headset or hold the receiver in your hand.
- Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth.
- Do not sit with your chin rested on your hand.
- Practice good posture — keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared.
Call Wambaugh Dental
At Wambaugh Dental, our goal is to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible, inside our office and outside. As a result, we offer TMD and TMJ treatment to ensure that you can overcome these conditions. We also provide a wide array of additional treatment options to ensure our patient’s oral health. For instance, our treatment options include:
- Preventative dental treatments
- Dental imaging services
- Teeth whitening services
- Dental implant services
- Endodontic services
You don’t have to suffer from TMJ or TMD anymore. When you reach out to Wambaugh Dental, we’ll offer effective treatment options to ensure your overall comfort. To learn more about our services or about how TMD and TMJ treatment can help you, call Wambaugh Dental today at 281.501.7849, or contact us online.