Live a Pain-free Lifestyle with TMJ Pain Treatment
Have you been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)? This condition can be a nuisance, affecting how you eat, speak, and sleep. At Arrowhead Dentistry, we understand the impact of TMJ pain on your everyday life. Dr. John Upton helps patients find relief from TMJ pain with effective, personalized solutions. Visit our office in Glendale, Arizona, and discover how we can help you regain a healthy, pain-free lifestyle.
What is TMJ pain?
Everyone has two TMJs on either side of the face. TMJs connect the lower jaw to the skull, and allow you to move your jaw in almost every direction as you chew, speak, yawn, or even breathe. TMJ disorder affects these hinge-like joints, causing unpleasant symptoms that affect your everyday life.
TMJ pain symptoms vary from person to person, but they include:
- Jaw pain, tenderness, and soreness
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your jaws
- Locked jaws or limited movement of your mouth
- Painful chewing
- Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- A change in the alignment of the upper and lower jaws
- Pain that radiates to the neck, shoulders, and upper back
TMJ symptoms range from mild to severe, and sometimes change day by day. If you experience TMJ pain, don’t suffer in silence. Schedule an appointment with your Glendale TMJ dentist for relief from pain.
Why do I have TMJ pain?
Some causes of TMD are unknown, but several factors have been linked to this condition. These include:
- Trauma: Injuries to the jaw area can damage the cartilage of the jaw joints, causing TMJ pain.
- Behavioral factors: Stress, anxiety, and chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) can put extra pressure on the jaw joints.
- Inflammation: Arthritis and other inflammatory diseases can erode the cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Other factors: Excessive chewing and nail biting can add unnecessary tension to the jaw joints and surrounding musculature.
Recognizing the trigger of TMJ pain is the first step towards achieving long-lasting relief. With personalized care, managing TMJ pain is possible, opening the possibility of a more comfortable life.
How do you treat TMJ pain?
For those struggling with TMJ pain, treatment can be as simple as exercises, such as jaw relaxation and gentle stretching. These exercises strengthen and reduce tension in muscles around the jaw joints. Simple lifestyle modifications, such as stress management, good posture, and a soft diet, can also ease jaw pain.
When lifestyle changes and exercises fail to achieve the desired relief, your dentist may recommend a custom nightguard to protect the jaw joints and allow them to heal. Sometimes, treatment may involve orthodontics to straighten your teeth and correct bite imbalances. While there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for TMJ pain, Dr. Upton will find what works for you to achieve lasting relief.
Does TMJ go away on its own?
It depends. Mild TMJ symptoms, such as occasional jaw clicking, can sometimes improve on their own, especially if the cause is short-term factors like stress. However, persistent TMJ discomfort is unlikely to disappear without addressing the underlying cause. When symptoms last for weeks, worsen over time, or interfere with everyday life, it’s a sign that you need professional care.
Ready for non-surgical TMJ pain treatment near Glendale, Arizona?
Early treatment for TMJ pain alleviates chronic pain and prevents future complications. If you experience headaches and chronic jaw pain, don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen. Instead, call (623) 878-6333 and schedule an appointment with Arrowhead Dentistry. Experience a pain-free lifestyle with personalized care tailored to your needs.
