What Are Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition where your jaw joints and surrounding muscles and ligaments are inflamed or irritated. It can be due to trauma, an improper bite, arthritis, or wear and tear. Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include jaw tenderness, headaches, earaches, and facial pain.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder can be caused by injury to the jaw joints or surrounding tissues due to the following reasons.

  • If you suffer from bruxism, i.e., grinding or clenching your teeth
  • If the disc between the ball and socket joint is dislocated
  • If you suffer from arthritis
  • It can also be due to Stress.
  • If you face an Acute trauma.
  • If you have an improper bite.

What Are Common TMJ Symptoms?

The most common TMJ symptoms include:

  • Pain in your jaw
  • Frequent headaches or ear aches
  • Pain in the neck or shoulders
  • Difficulty in chewing 
  • Locked jaw
  • Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw joint while opening or closing your mouth.
  • Ringing in your ears
  • Changes in your bite 
  • Swelling in your face
  • Toothaches

What Treatments Are Available For TMJ Disorders?

The treatments for TMJ disorder include a wide range from simple self-care practices to surgeries. However, the best way to treat TMJ is through conservative non-surgical therapies. You can always visit a dentist to get the best TMJ treatment in Punta Gorda, FL. The surgery is only recommended if it is necessary.

If you’ve been diagnosed with TMJ disorder, your dentist in Punta Gorda, FL, will recommend non-surgical treatment options first. These therapies will provide you with relief. You can now end your jaw pain with TMJ treatment in Punta Gorda, FL.

  1. Heat Or Cold Packs

You can apply an ice pack to the side of your face for about ten minutes for acute pain. You can also do a few simple TMJ exercises for your jaw as instructed by your dentist in Punta Gorda, FL. After exercising, you can apply a warm towel or washcloth to the side of your face for about five minutes. And you can repeat this a few times each day

  1. Eat Soft Foods

Avoid eating hard foods that may cause you to chew extra and make your jaw work overtime. Therefore, you opt for soft foods such as soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, oats, etc. Avoid foods like pretzels, raw carrots, caramels, taffy, gum, etc.

  1. Night Guard

A customized night guard can resolve TMJ issues & teeth grinding effectively. A dentist in Punta Gorda, FL, will customize your mouthguard and it will correct your TMJ issues. A painless digital impression of your mouth and create the best mouthguard, which will be made to fit your unique smile.

TMJ Treatement In Punta Gorda, FL

If you are suffering from TMJ disorders, you can visit our dentist in Punta Gorda to get the best treatment and ensure you get relief from TMJ pains and related migraines. At Smiles Of Punta Gorda, we understand every smile and the dental issue is unique, therefore, we provide custom-made mouthguards to protect your teeth and ensure your jaw muscles relax. Contact us to get the best TMJ treatment in Punta Gorda, FL.