It’s estimated that more than one out of every four people suffers from head, neck, and dental pain that stems from disorders of the jawbone. A large number of these individuals suffer from TMJ disorder.
Today we’re looking at TMJ, its signs and symptoms and some dental devices that can help alleviate the pain it causes.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ – or temporomandibular joint syndrome is a malady of the joints that connect the lower jaw and skull and allow a person’s jaw to move. TMJ arises when an individual’s teeth, temporomandibular joint, and facial muscles fall out of alignment.
One of the most common causes of TMJ is the excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth, which is known as “bruxism”.
In addition to bruxism, several factors can contribute to TMJ pain, including:
- Joint inflammation stemming from arthritis
- Trauma to the jaw, head, or neck
- Misalignment between upper and lower teeth
- Stress-related tightening of facial and jaw muscles, and clenching or grinding of teeth
- Connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos or Marfan syndrome
- Poor posture that strains neck and jaw muscles
Symptoms of TMJ
Improper functioning of the TMJ can manifest in a variety of physical symptoms, including:
- Sore muscles and joints in the jaw
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Grinding or clenching of teeth (this can be both a cause and an effect)
- Flat or worn-down chewing surfaces of the teeth
- Heightened sensitivity to brushing and hot or cold temperatures
- Structural damage to teeth, crowns, or bridges
- Headaches
- Difficulty moving the jaw or biting
The Role of Dental Appliances in TMJ Treatment
The good news is that dental appliances that non-invasively treat TMJ pain are readily available. The most common among these are night guards. Night guards are custom-made plastic devices that fit over a person’s upper teeth, protecting natural teeth, crowns, and implants from wear and tear, and helping to relieve muscle and joint tension and pain by preventing teeth grinding.
TMJ Treatment in Centennial, CO
If you are in search of a dentist in the Centennial, CO area with experience and expertise in not only treating the symptoms of TMJ but helping to ensure that it does not return, contact dentist Dr. Michael J. Franquemont and the team at Michael J. Franquemont DDS to schedule a consultation.