What is TMJ?
Dentistry of San Francisco Dentist, Dr. Joseph specializes in treating TMJ, which stands for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Disorders of the TMJ are thought to affect upward of 10 million people in the United States, alone. While using a NTI device or night guard for TMJ treatment is common, it is prudent to explore your options.
What are the major symptoms I should look out for?
If you experience pain in your neck and jaw area, a clicking or popping noise when you open or close your mouth, or a limited range of motion in your jaw, you might be dealing with a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
What are the solutions?
It's imperative to have an in-person examination done by your Dentist to review your symptoms and talk about the best options. Dr. Joseph specializes in creating custom Night Guards which have eliminated TMJ symptoms. Schedule an appointment to see which options are right for you.
Effectiveness of Night Guards
A night guard is a plastic piece that you fit over your teeth and wear while you sleep. These kinds of guards have been proven effective for those who grind their teeth. Proper care should be taken so that the guard does
not affect or change your natural bite.
At Home Treatment of TMJ
If you and your Dentist decide that a night guard for TMJ disorders is not for you, the NIDCR recommends these alternative treatments:
- Practice relaxation and light stretching techniques to decrease tension in your jaw.
- Avoid making sharp movements with your jaw.
- Use an ice pack to decrease inflammation.
- Modify your diet to include softer foods that require less chewing power.
If you are concerned about pain in your jaw or the muscles around your TMJ, click here to contact us. It's important to make sure that the problem is properly diagnosed and discuss the best course of treatment.
Schedule an appointment with San Francisco TMJ Bruxism specialist, Dr. Joseph here or email us here.
Source: colgate.com
Learn More: mayoclinic.org
