Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw and wonder what caused it? Do you experience pain while chewing or suffer from unexplained headaches or neck pain? If so, you could have a TMJ disorder. Your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, can cause several issues when it isn’t functioning correctly, and it can have a detrimental effect on your quality of life.
So, how do you know when to seek professional help? Let’s learn more about TMD symptoms and treatment options.
Explaining TMJ Disorders
Your TMJs are located in front of each ear and connect your lower jaw to your skull. If you sustained an injury, have arthritis, or grind your teeth, you may suffer from a temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should seek professional help from your Watkinsville dentist:
- A popping or clicking sound when you open or close your mouth
- Pain when you chew
- A stiff jaw or limited jaw motion
- Headaches or migraines
- Ringing in your ears
- A change in your bite
Treatment Options from Your Dentist
The first step to treating TMD is to assess your symptoms and suggest some simple behavioral changes, such as:
- Eating softer foods to avoid chewing
- Avoiding gum or nail biting
- Wearing a custom mouthguard to keep you from grinding your teeth
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
- Practicing meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
If these changes aren’t successful, we may recommend additional treatments, such as:
- BOTOX® injections
- Acupuncture
- Physical therapy
The Benefits of Getting Help
At Athens Oconee Dentistry, we realize how debilitating TMD can be for our patients, and we want you to enjoy the benefits of seeking professional help, including:
- Eating your favorite foods again
- Avoiding headaches, migraines, and neck pain
- Protecting your teeth from wear and damage due to bruxism
- Taking fewer medications
Looking for TMJ Treatment in Watkinsville, GA?
If you have questions about TMJ in Watkinsville, our dental team will happily assist you! At Athens Oconee Dentistry, we want to work with you to alleviate your symptoms and restore your ability to live life to the fullest. Contact our dental office at (706) 549-2440 to get started today.