6 Ways a Dentist Can Help with TMJ Pain

TMJ can completely take over your life, causing not just discomfort but also impacting sleep and how you eat your meals. It’s not easy to constantly deal with headaches or soreness, but some good news will help. Dr. Francisco Marcano at Sarasota Center for General Dentistry offers tips for managing the pain/discomfort of your TMJ. 

1. Understanding the Basics of TMJ Disorder

TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint. This joint is like a hinge, connecting your skull to your jawbone. It’s located in front of your ears. The TMJ is a small joint, but it plays an enormous role in being able to talk, chew your food, and even yawn.

When it malfunctions, it’s called TMJ disorder. Symptoms include jaw pain and clicking noises when you open/close your mouth. But TMJ disorder can also cause headaches and earaches. 

2. Causes of TMJ Pain

TMJ pain can occur suddenly or gradually, and can worsen over time. Any of these things can result in TMJ pain. 

• Injury or trauma to the jaw
• Grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep
• You may have poor posture or issues with your neck and head alignment
• Stress that leads to tension in the jaw
• Arthritis that affects the TMJ
• Bite misalignment or other dental issues
• Frequent gum chewing or biting on hard objects
• Previous dental work that affected your jaw’s alignment

3. Explore Conservative Treatment Options for TMJ Pain

There are surgical options for TMJ disorder, but Dr. Marcano recommends exploring conservative options as your first line of defense. There are non-surgical options you can consider, including custom-made oral orthotics. With help, you may be able to find relief without resorting to surgery. 

4. Stress Reduction Techniques Can Help

Most people who grind their teeth or clench their jaw are living with unhealthy levels of stress. It’s challenging to get rid of the things that cause stress, but you can learn stress-reduction techniques that help manage the symptoms. For example, both meditation and yoga are excellent for relieving stress. However, finding the actual root cause of your joint issues is the real victory.  Dr. Marcano can help you narrow the reasons so that you can enjoy better treatment and results.

5. Adopting Jaw-Friendly Habits

Believe it or not, making small changes in some habits can help give your jaw the rest it needs to heal. 

• Avoid chewing gum or biting your fingernails
• Don’t use your teeth as a tools
• Cut your food up into smaller bites
• Use warm compresses to relieve the ache
• Learn some gentle jaw stretches

6. Consider Oral Appliance Therapy

Noninvasive oral appliances are designed to gently guide your jaw into a more relaxed and natural position. With these devices, Dr. Marcano can also help you by minimizing grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw when you’re sleeping. This reduces strain on the joint and can give you relief from pain and headaches. 

Learn More About Ways to Help With TMJ in Sarasota, FL

TMJ treatment is continuously evolving, and Dr. Francisco Marcano at Sarasota Center for General Dentistry stays on top of what’s going on in TMJ-focused research. If you’re looking for a dentist for TMJ pain, visit the office at 7315 Merchant Ct # B, Sarasota, FL 34240, to learn more. Call (941) 900-3555 today to schedule a consultation. 

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