18
Sep
How Can I Find Jaw Tension Relief?
Pain and tension in your jaw could be signs of temporomandibular joint disorder, sometimes referred to as TMJ or TMD. TMJ can make it difficult to open and close your mouth, talk, chew, or perform normal jaw activities without experiencing tension and pain. After evaluating your condition, Dr. Francisco Marcano from Sarasota Center for General Dentistry in Sarasota, Florida, can recommend treatment to help you relieve jaw tension. The following TMJ questions explain more about this affliction.
What is TMJ?
The initials “TMJ” stand for temporomandibular joints, which are responsible for the movements of your jaw. When these joints work properly, you can open and close your mouth, talk, laugh, yawn, and chew effortlessly. When these joints malfunction, you may experience jaw tension, pain, difficulty chewing, and other irritating symptoms. Temporomandibular disorders are commonly referred to as TMJ or TMD. TMJ tension and pain can be temporary or enduring, depending on the severity of your condition.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ symptoms may vary from person to person, depending on the cause and severity of your condition. Generally, symptoms include:
- Jaw tension and pain
- Facial pain, tenderness, and swellingÂ
- Limited jaw mobility, making it difficult to talk, chew, smile, or open and close your mouth
- Painful chewing
- Headaches or earaches
- Clicking or popping noises when you open and close your mouth
- Neck or shoulder pain
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What causes TMJ?
Various factors can contribute to this condition. One of these is nighttime bruxism, or teeth grinding. Other possible causes of TMJ are arthritis, malocclusion, jaw clenching, jaw injuries, chronic stress, constant gum chewing, genetics, and sleep disorders like Sleep Apnea and snoring.
How is TMJ diagnosed?Â
Dr. Marcano will examine your TMJs, evaluate your jaw movements, review your symptoms, and take scans of your jaw to diagnose this condition. A thorough examination can help pinpoint the source of your symptoms so we can provide long-term relief for jaw tension and pain.Â
What are my TMJ treatment options?
Depending on the cause and severity of TMJ symptoms, Dr. Marcano can recommend one of the following or a combination of these options for treatment:
- Using hot or cold compresses on your face to ease painful symptoms
- Practicing ways to relax to manage your stress levels
- Avoiding excessive gum chewing, chewing on ice, nail-biting, and biting down on hard foodsÂ
- Doing facial exercises or stretches to enhance jaw mobility
- Taking medication to relieve pain, relax jaw muscles, or reduce inflammation that can aggravate TMJ symptoms
- Using a night guard or another oral appliance to keep your teeth from clenching and grinding as you sleep
- If your TMJ symptoms are caused by malocclusion (a misaligned bite), correcting this problem with orthodontics can help relieve symptoms.Â
- Jaw surgery is also an option, but it is generally used as a last resort to correct severe TMJ issues.
Where can I go for TMJ treatment near me?Â
Learn more about TMJ causes and treatments at Sarasota Center for General Dentistry in Sarasota, FL. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Francisco Marcano, contact us at (941) 900-3555.
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Dr. Francisco Marcano
Dr. Francisco Marcano and his dedicated team at Sarasota Center for General Dentistry are devoted to delivering exceptional dental care to Sarasota, Manatee, and neighboring communities, ensuring healthy smiles and overall well-being.
Dr. Marcano earned his DMD from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry and is an esteemed graduate of the Hornbrook Group, renowned worldwide for its clinical excellence in cosmetic dentistry. He is affiliated with prominent organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, Academy of GP Orthodontics, Mid-America Orthodontics Society, Light Force Orthodontics, International Association for Orthodontics, and Spear Education.
Recognized by his peers, Dr. Marcano serves on the Florida Board of Dentistry and Florida Board of Dental Examiners. Since 2012, he has been consistently honored as “Sarasota’s Top Dentist,” listed in the “Who’s Who Top Doctors Edition” since 2015, and recognized among “America’s Best Dentists” since 2012.