In last week’s blog post, we discussed the painful symptoms of TMJ disorder. Reading through the lengthy list of uncomfortable signs of the disorder probably made you wince a few times, but your dentist in University Boulevard is here to provide some comfort.
This week, we’re going to cover the different types of treatment that can be used to effectively address your TMJ disorder.
3 Types of Effective TMJ Treatment from Your Dentist
1. Custom Nightguards.
A custom oral appliance can provide relief by aligning your jaw, allowing it to open and close properly. They can also prevent muscle spasms from exhausted TMJ’s. Eventually, the custom oral appliance will guide your jaw joints to their proper positions and accelerate the healing process.
Besides that, nightguards also work to protect your two arches of teeth from grinding. Since mouthguards are custom designed with the help of your dentist, your teeth will perfectly fit into the guard to prevent movement throughout the night and protect your enamel from erosion.
2. Alter the Alignment of Teeth.
If your jaw continues to show signs of instability, your dentist may recommend an occlusal adjustment. This is when your dentist can alter specific teeth that are interfering with your healthy TMJ function. Sometimes orthodontics can be a solution, but when you need a swift solution, an occlusal adjustment may be a better choice. When it’s all said and done, your jaws will feel much more stable and have a bite that feels normal again.
3. Stress Reduction.
One of the best things you can do for your body and your mouth is to reduce your stress as much as possible. Stress does a number on your body from increasing your blood pressure to causing headaches. Stress is also the leading cause of TMJ disorder and induces all of the associated symptoms.
To relieve your stress, try dedicating 30 minutes of your day to mediation. An additional 30 minutes should also be dedicated to something physical that will get your heart rate going. If you take time to exercise and clear your mind each day, your whole body will thank you—especially your TMJ’s.
Get Help with Your Treatment Before It’s Too Late…
There is evidence that TMJ may be linked to other conditions such as arthritis, infections, digestive disorders, and autoimmune conditions, so it’s important to seek treatment right away.
Chewing food is an important part of the digestive system. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to do when you have TMJ disorder. This makes it harder for your body to break down food to obtain the vitamins and nutrients it needs to stay strong.
The good news is that your dentist is here to help you recover from your TMJ disorder. If you need help addressing this condition, look no further than our office.
About Our Office
Our expert dentists know how debilitating it can be to have oral pain. That’s why we take pride in offering customized nightguards and helpful advice to reduce stress. If you ever have a question about TMJ disorder or how we can help you treat it, call us right away.