TMJ Treatment

TMJ Treatment

Tooth grinding, which is also referred to as bruxism, is a condition that many people have without even realizing it. Bruxism is also associated with temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ. People with TMJ often experience jaw pain, popping of the jaws, headaches and tooth pain. At Acadian Family Dental, we offer bruxism and TMJ treatments that may help to relieve your discomfort and protect your oral health.

What causes bruxism and TMJ problems?

You may develop bruxism or TMJ problems due to a variety of reasons, such as stress. An injury to your face or dislocation of your jaw can also cause these issues. Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions may damage the joint. A poor bite or malocclusion are also causes of bruxism and TMJ disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

To diagnose bruxism or TMJ ailments, your dentist will perform an oral exam. Bruxism may cause uneven wear on the surface of your teeth, which the dentist can observe during the exam. Your dentist may ask you to open and close your mouth, move your jaws from left to right or make chewing motions. The dentist may also check your bite to see how your teeth and jaws line up.

Your dentist will work with you to develop a treatment plan for bruxism and TMJ disorders. It may begin with some behavior and lifestyle changes such as switching over to a soft foods diet for four to six weeks to relieve stress on your jaws. You may be directed to take anti-inflammatory medications to help with pain, swelling, and inflammation of the TMJ. Your dentist may also show you how to perform some jaw strengthening and stress reduction exercises to relieve your symptoms.

If you have bruxism or suspect that you have TMJ, Acadian Family Dental is a trusted name among the Houston, TX, community, and we’re ready to help.

Medications & Exercises

One of the first lines of defense against tooth grinding and TMJ disorders is jaw strengthening exercises. Our dentists can show you how to exercise your jaw muscles, and we may prescribe muscle relaxants for you to take at bedtime to reduce clenching and grinding. We also recommend stress reduction such as meditation and listening to relaxing music before going to bed.

Night Guard Dental Appliances

Another viable option is to be fitted for a custom-made night guard to help protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding and TMJ. A mold of your mouth will be created and sent to a dental lab where lab technicians will make an acrylic mold that fits onto your upper teeth. You can wear the night guard while you sleep to protect your teeth from getting worn, chipped or cracked.