TMJ/TMD
Port Charlotte, FL
TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a painful condition that impacts how your job functions. Sometimes the exact origin of TMJ is unknown, but one common trigger is excess stress due to teeth grinding. The good news is that there are options available to effectively manage the symptoms of TMJ and help minimize any discomfort you might experience. If you are looking for an effective solution to treat this disorder then please visit our office at (941) 629 - 4400. We can help you with a quality oral appliance that not only controls this condition but helps you to lead a better quality life that is free from pain.
Relief from Pain
Someone suffering from TMJ, especially when the cause is regular teeth grinding, will experience jaw aches and pain in the joint muscles. Sometimes the condition gets so bad that you not only find it difficult to eat your food, but you will also find it extremely difficult to have a simple conversation with somebody because of the pain.
One of the best and most common treatment options for individuals living with TMJ caused or worsened by teeth grinding is an oral appliance or nightguard. The most important factor in reducing TMJ severity and symptoms is relieving the pressure the jaw is under when your teeth grind against each other, especially at night when you are sleeping. Many people underestimate the sheer amount of force that teeth can undergo before something serious like breakage happens and assume that if their teeth are more or less fine, the grinding must not be a serious issue.
On the contrary, even sporadic teeth grinding can cause pain and tenderness in your jaw and mouth. Remember that your teeth are bones just like the rest of your skeleton – they are designed to withstand pressure. Even if you do not notice any external issues with your teeth, you could still be grinding them in your sleep. A mouthguard that is molded to your mouth and teeth can help comfortably keep your teeth separated despite the instinct to grind them and help your jaw heal.
Enhanced Quality of Life
When you are in constant pain you are bound to feel extremely irritable and upset. This is only further exacerbated by the lack of sleep that many people living with TMJ tend to experience, especially if they are night teeth grinders. The discomfort and fatigue can quickly become almost insurmountably bad, leaving you struggling to live your daily life. A customized mouthguard can help alleviate some of that suffering and help you reclaim your days and nights. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the oral appliance that works best for your specific needs – one that takes the areas where the aches and pains in your jaw are heaviest and are designed to provide as much relief as possible to them. Do not settle for an over the counter option that isn’t made especially for you.
Learn more about our Family Dentistry services
The sooner you start treating TMJ and nighttime teeth grinding, the better you will start to feel. You can call us at (941) 629 - 4400 or visit our office at Oak Dental Care for more information. |
