What Can a Dentist Do for TMJ Treatment in Jupiter?
If you’re experiencing frequent clicking, popping, and pain in your jaw, you may be suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Twelve percent of people in the United States deal with TMJ each day, with women experiencing it more often than men.
For TMJ that doesn’t have a medical disease cause, dentists are the first line of defense for diagnosing and finding solutions to your pain and discomfort. With this in mind, keep reading to learn how reputable dentists can provide TMJ treatment in Jupiter!
Causes of TMJ Disorder
Before you learn what your dentist in Jupiter can do, it’s essential to learn some of the reasons why you may be experiencing this pain. Here are some of the most common causes:
• Jaw dislocation
• Clenching teeth
• Grinding teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Arthritis
Keep in mind that there are many more causes of TMJ that may have a medical component. With this in mind, make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor if your dentist can’t find a cause.
TMJ Treatment in Jupiter by Your Dentist
Since general dentists already have a firm understanding of how our jaws work, they’re effective at diagnosing and treating TMJ. Here are some of the most common treatments that your dentist might recommend:
Custom Dental Appliances
If your dentist finds that you’re clenching or grinding your teeth at night, they may recommend a custom dental appliance. Dental mouth guards, bite guards, or splints keep you from clenching or grinding by holding your jaw in the proper position.
Since your jaw will be in a far more comfortable position throughout the night, your jaw and facial muscles will relax, leading to less pain and tension during the day.
Hot Cold Therapy
A staggering 65 percent of TMJ patients use hot cold therapy at home because it’s an effective method. This is as simple as placing a cold pack or a warm compress on your jaw for a short amount of time.
You’ll want to use cold therapy if your jaw pain stems from swelling and inflammation; on the other hand, hot therapy is best for muscle tension and stiffness.
Relaxation Techniques
Lastly, since TMJ may be caused by anxiety, there are a variety of relaxation techniques that can help lessen tension in your body and the pressure you’re putting on your jaw.
These can be as simple as inhaling and exhaling slowly while paying attention to how your stomach and chest rise and fall. You may also find that gentle jaw exercises followed by relaxation are helpful.
Find Relief from Your TMJ Pain
Many people go through life trying to ignore their TMJ pain, but the issue doesn’t go away on your own. By seeking help from a qualified dentist, you’ll be able to get to the root of the problem quickly with treatments that are designed to make you feel better.
Ready to investigate TMJ treatment in Jupiter to find the relief you need? Please schedule an appointment with us today!
