The Importance Of Preventive Dental Care At Any Age

Posted on: 7 June 2023

If you have pain around the area of your jaw joint, let your dentist know. You might have TMJ syndrome, which is a condition that affects the muscles that control your joint or your jaw joint itself. This condition has many causes, so your dentist has to determine why you're experiencing the jaw pain and then choose an appropriate treatment. Here are six TMJ syndrome treatments that might help you.

1. Wear An Oral Appliance

An oral appliance might keep you from clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth. If your dentist thinks teeth grinding could be the cause of your jaw pain, they might make a custom mouth guard for you to wear at night and during the day when you're able. A mouth guard also protects your teeth from damage due to the grinding.

2. Practice Relaxation Techniques

If your dentist thinks you're having anxiety and that contributes to your jaw clenching and pain, they may teach you relaxation techniques. They might also prescribe anti-anxiety medication or refer you to a doctor to assess your anxiety. When you're relaxed and comfortable, your muscles can relax too, and that might help with pain relief.

3. Have Braces Put On

Your dentist might recommend braces as a TMJ syndrome treatment. Misaligned teeth could put strain on your jaw joint. If that's the case, braces that straighten and align your teeth might help. If your dentist doesn't provide braces, they can refer you to an orthodontist that can help.

4. Take Injected Medications

Injections might help with your pain. Botulinum toxin injections are sometimes considered for TMJ syndrome treatment. The injections force your muscles to relax so they lose their tension and pain. Corticosteroid injections may also be considered. These can reduce inflammation in your joint, and that can help reduce pain.

5. Learn Jaw Exercises

You might need to strengthen or balance the muscles around your jaw joint. This can be achieved through various mouth exercises. Your dentist can teach you the exercises and tell you how often to do them, or they might refer you to physical therapy. The therapist can teach you the exercises you need to do, and they may provide pain relief treatments too.

6. Consider Having Joint Surgery

If your dentist takes X-rays, they may find a problem with your jaw joint that might need surgery to correct. If they think surgery is a possible solution to your jaw pain, they can refer you to an oral surgeon to assess your condition and recommend the type of surgery you need.

Contact your dentist for more information about TMJ syndrome treatment.