When you have regular headaches or migraines, and can’t pinpoint the cause, then consider talking to your El Paso, TX, dentists. Headaches are just one symptom of TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, a jaw joint disorder that could cause serious problems for your oral health unless treated!
The Causes of TMJ Disorder
The problem starts when our temporomandibular joints undergo excessive strain. These joints control the movements needed to eat and speak, so this pressure impacts our ability to open and close our mouth completely. Factors behind the strain could include tooth loss, bit imbalance, misalignment, or injury to the face to jaw.
Headaches and Migraines
How do you now if you need treatment? Well, people with TMD tend to report frequent headaches and migraines, as well as pain in the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders. The jaw could also pop and click as well. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, then please contact our team for a diagnosis. We will carefully examine the jaw and oral structures for indicators of trouble. After we assess the cause and severity, we can discuss treatment options. For some, correcting misalignment with clear aligners or braces could help. Others need bite balance restored with restoration, such as custom dental crowns. However, the most common treatment option is usually an oral appliance.
After we take detailed impressions and images of your smile, we will craft a custom device that looks and fits like a mouthguard. You wear the device as you sleep, and it helps reposition the jaw to ease strain and help you avoid uncomfortable symptoms. You can also help by placing a warm compress or washcloth against the side of the face, and avoiding hard or chewy foods, as the actions to consume them could exacerbate the symptoms. Consider cutting back on caffeinated products as well!
The Link to Bruxism
If you grind your teeth regularly, a disorder known as bruxism, you could strain your jaw joints and make the onset of TMD more likely. The same is also true in reverse, that untreated TMD could make teeth grinding more likely. Unless treated, bruxism could place enormous pressure on the teeth, wearing down structure and even cracking or chipping then, increasing the risk of everything from tooth decay to dental infection. If you have any questions about treating these common jaw joint issues, or if you would like to set up your own consultation, then contact our team today.
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO, TX ABOUT TREATING TMD
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, we want to help you enjoy healthier smiles and avoid discomfort related to jaw joint strain. For more information on preventive dental solutions, contact your El Paso, TX, dentists at Sunny Smiles on Dyer Street by calling 915-859-7000.