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About TMJ, Bruxism and Orofacial Pain Treatments
TMJ, bruxism and orofacial pain can arise from a variety of causes with a spectrum of symptoms from mild to severe. However, all conditions share a commonality in that these conditions, when left untreated, may cause long-term damage to your dental health and overall wellbeing.
What is Bruxism?
ABOUT BRUXISM
Bruxism is another word for grinding of the teeth or jaw clenching. Bruxism may happen during the day, while sleeping at night, or both. The cause of bruxism is unique to each patient. Still, it is usually triggered by stress or anxiety, medical conditions like sleep apnea or acid reflux, or even lifestyle habits like caffeine intake or use of tobacco, certain drugs, or alcohol.
THE IMPACT OF BRUXISM
If you believe that you may suffer from bruxism, it is important to seek help from your dentist. Bruxism can cause pain, tooth fracture, headache and TMJ syndrome. Dr. Gordon will examine your teeth and identify the wear patterns to determine the extent of damage that bruxism is causing.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR BRUXISM
There are several aspects to treating bruxism, including symptom management, protection of the teeth, and discovering the cause of the bruxism to attempt to decrease the habit.
✓ Mouthguards - A mouth guard to wear at night may be recommended to prevent damage to the teeth.
✓ Botox - Medications like muscle relaxers or Botox injections can help reduce grinding in more severe cases.
✓ Reduce Stress - Helping a patient think through ways to reduce and deal with stress may also aid in reducing bruxism.
What is TMJ Disorder?
ABOUT TMJ DISORDER
TMJ Disorder - TMD or TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder) occurs when the muscles and ligaments (temporomandibular joints) around your jaw joints do not function properly and become inflamed or irritated. TMJ disorder causes pain and tenderness in your jaw joints and the surrounding muscles and ligaments in your face and neck.
TMJ disorder can be both a cause and a symptom of bruxism. Teeth grinding can cause an unbalanced jaw, and a misaligned jaw can cause grinding.
SYMPTOMS OF TMJ DISORDER
TMJ disorder symptoms may vary widely from patient to patient. The condition can cause many issues including:
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Jaw pain
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Shoulder or neck pain
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Stiffness in the jaw
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Jaw popping
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Headache or Migraines
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Earaches
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Toothache
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Tinnitus
HOW TO DIAGNOSE TMJ DISORDER
Our dentist at Hygge Laser Dentistry in Seattle, Dr. EmmaLeigh Gordon, can diagnose TMJ disorder during a regular dental oral exam. During the visit, she will observe the range of motion when the mouth is open and closed, press on the face and jaw to find areas of tenderness and examine the jaw joints.
If you are experiencing any jaw pain or discomfort during daily activities, please discuss your concerns, symptoms and questions with your dentist.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR TMJ DISORDER
There are several options for treating TMJ pain and discomfort. After the dentist has examined your jaw and discussed your pain and discomfort level, several options exist for treating TMJ Disorder.
✓ Medication - Dr. Gordon may prescribe medication to help ease the symptoms of TMJ disorder, such as anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxer medications to help relieve the pain.
✓ Mouthguard or Splint - The most common treatment for TMJ is to provide a custom-made device that fits over the teeth to hold the jaw in the correct position. The mouthguard will be worn at night while sleeping to help correct the symptoms caused by incorrect jaw placement.
✓ Lifestyle Changes - Among other suggestions, Dr. Gordon can counsel the patient on how best to alleviate symptoms of TMJ disorder. Certain self-care practices can help alleviate strain and stop overworking the jaw joint, which may be a contributing factor to the pain and discomfort experienced. Recommended self-care practices include: eating soft foods, avoiding extreme jaw movements, chewing gum, and applying ice packs when needed.
Additional Services
Sleep Apnea, Snoring & Airway Treatments
Hygge Laser Dentistry provides comprehensive, modern dental care in Ballard and serves the surrounding Seattle communities, including Shoreline, Edmonds, Crown Hill, Loyal Heights and Whittier Heights. Services include cosmetic and general dentistry, sleep apnea and airway treatments, TMJ therapy, facial aesthetics and more.
Looking for a dentist or sleep specialist near you in Seattle? Book an appointment at Hygge Laser Dentistry for a truly relaxing and transformative dental experience.
206.789.2555
7715 24th Ave. NW
Seattle, WA 98117