Whenever you speak, chew, or yawn, your mouth relies on the temporomandibular joint found near the ears that connects your upper and lower mouth. When it’s overused or injured, it can cause a painful condition called temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ. Luckily, there are many ways for dentists to treat this issue. Below is some more information on TMJ for people experiencing jaw pain. 

How Do I Know If I Have TMJ?

Jaw pain and tenderness that intensify during chewing or yawning are the most common indicators of TMJ. These symptoms may appear on one side of the mouth or both, and may also extend to the ears or other areas of the face. You may also notice that your mouth is stiff and hard to open. When you do open your jaw, you may hear a popping sound caused by joint movement. For many, TMJ symptoms fade after a few days and require no treatment. However, if your symptoms worsen or persist, see a dentist and explore your treatment options.

What Causes TMJ?

There are many reasons the temporomandibular joint may be damaged. For some, the condition occurs when the joint becomes misaligned due to injury or arthritis. Others may find that the problem develops as a result of bruxism—a term describing nighttime teeth grinding.

How Is TMJ Treated?

Therapeutic Stretches

If you have a minor case of TMJ, your dentist may recommend a series of gentle therapeutic stretches. These exercises generally involve opening your mouth in a strategic fashion so that the joint and surrounding tissues can strengthen and become more flexible.

Mouth Guards

When TMJ is related to bruxism, dentists often prescribe the use of a night guard. This device is molded and customized to fit over the teeth. It provides cushioning against the force of nighttime grinding.

Surgery  

In more severe cases of TMJ, oral surgery may be necessary. In these treatments, the jaw is usually reconfigured to allow for easier, less painful movements. However, this surgery is relatively uncommon. 

Oral pain is never a fun experience. That’s why Dr. Charles Bumgardner, DMD is committed to offering safe and effective treatments at his clinic in Lexington, SC. Using state-of-the-art tools, this experienced dentist will pinpoint the source of your dental pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to address the issue. Whether you require a custom mouth guard for TMJ relief or root canal therapy to cure an infected tooth, this provider will deliver gentle care to ensure a speedy recovery. For more details on these services, visit this restorative dentistry clinic online. To schedule a convenient appointment, call (803) 356-6030.