Sleep is restorative. Sleep is necessary. Sleep is non-negotiable. We all have busy days, stress, and obligations. Recharging nightly is essential to good health. Unfortunately, jaw alignment could interfere with your ability to get enough rest. A TMJ disorder is a big, painful problem, but it is easily corrected – if you visit your Red Bank dentist for help.
Signs of a TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on both sides of the mouth and connect the jawbone to the skull. Many people hold stress in this area or have an anatomical complication that doesn’t permit the joint and surrounding muscles to work properly. Some signs of a TMJ disorder include:
- Teeth grinding
- Teeth clenching
- Frequent headaches
- Neck aches
- Misalignment
- Popping or clicking noises
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Pain behind the eyes
Oral health problems can extend beyond the mouth and cause complications body-wide. Most people who suffer from an issue with their TMJ recognize the first symptom as morning headaches that interfere with their sleep and haunt them for the entire day.
Causes of TMJ Symptoms
It’s important to recognize the signs of a TMJ problem, but it’s also important to know the source of the complication. Quite often, the culprit is stress – a rough time with your family or at work, for example. These TMJ problems are typically temporary and fade as problems get resolved. Some patients, however, have mechanical issues in their jaw that create chronic sleep bruxism. The most common causes include:
- Misaligned bite
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Mouth injury
- Stress
- Arthritis
- Tooth loss and shifting teeth
Your Red Bank dentist will identify the true cause of your TMJ disorder with a thorough examination of your jaw and bite, which includes reviewing your oral health history and taking x-rays.
The Easiest Solution to a TMJ Disorder
When you live with a TMJ disorder, you just want the problem to go away. Don’t be tempted to turn to your local pharmacy for a quick solution which could make things worse. Visit your dentist for a permanent, customized solution that will deliver true relief.
A specially molded night guard stops teeth-grinding unconsciously in sleep. This appliance snaps into place on the upper jaw and prevents teeth from clenching against each other, eliminating headaches as well as negative oral health side effects like gum recession, worn enamel, and damaged dental work.
Some patients who need additional intervention may receive a recommendation to undergo Invisalign to correct their bite, take muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medication, or replace any missing teeth to stabilize the bite and prevent undue pressure of the teeth on each other.
TMJ disorders are easy to treat – but you must reach out to your Red Bank dentist for help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell at Red Bank Dentistry in New Jersey to find out whether your headaches and jaw pain are the result of a TMJ disorder and whether a customized night guard is right for you.
