You just wanted to eat a bagel for breakfast. That shouldn’t be a big deal. Yet, that’s exactly what the problem was. You took a bite, but chewing was just too much. Your jaw felt sore and you couldn’t eat another bite.
That’s on top of the headaches you been having most mornings for weeks, if not months. Those issues have been getting worse, not better.
The jaw pain, the headaches — these may be symptoms of a TMJ disorder. To learn more about this condition, you can talk to one of our doctors at Sierra Dental Care in Modesto, CA. We offer treatment for one of the most common causes of TMJ troubles, too.
If we can help, that’s what we want to do for you. Call (209) 575-2400 to schedule an appointment.
Recognize The Signs
TMJ disorders can develop for multiple reasons. These can include arthritis, injuries, and illnesses. You also may have an alignment issue with your teeth or jaw.
But one of the most common contributing factors is clenching or grinding your teeth. Millions of people do this in their sleep, and feeling stressed can make you more likely to do this.
What are the signs that you might have a TMJ disorder?
As we noted above, pain in your jaw or face while eating or after finishing a meal may be a symptom. Frequent headaches or earaches (particularly in the morning) can be the result of TMJ issues.
Additional symptoms include difficulty opening or closing your mouth completely, stiffness in your jaw, clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, and pain in the neck, upper back, or shoulders.
If you are experiencing symptoms frequently, however, then please contact us with any questions.
Take Steps To Treat TMJ Issues
Keep in mind that most people will experience some TMJ issues from time to time. That’s doesn’t necessarily mean you will have a TMJ disorder. You may want to try some home remedies to manage your issues first.
Try eating softer foods for a few days to see if the jaw pain stops. Avoid chewing gum as well. If your jaw feels stiff or stuck, applying heat may help it feel looser. If your jaw is sore or swollen, applying a cold pack can dull the pain and reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain medicine can help with the headaches, earaches, and other pains mentioned above, too.
You should visit our Modesto, CA office if you notice that your symptoms persist in spite of your treatment or if those symptoms keep returning when you stop your relief efforts.
Millions of people clench and grind their teeth in their sleep. Preventing this can play an important role in addressing your TMJ issues.
If this is a factor in your jaw problems, we can design a custom-made mouthguard for you to wear while you sleep. This functions as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This stops you from grinding them together. It also affects the resting position of your jaw, which can ease the strain on your jaw joints.
If the alignment of your teeth is contributing to your troubles, we also may discuss orthodontic options. For some patients, this can make a difference as well.
Let Us Help You
TMJ disorders can be disruptive to your daily life. Don’t suffer any longer. Call us at (209) 575-2400 or contact us online to request an appointment. Sierra Dental Care wants you to be healthy and pain-free.