Jaw pain can be uncomfortable and make daily life hard. Many people face pain, clicking or stiffness in the jaw. Problems related to the temporomandibular joint can often result in jaw pain. The TMJ, also called the jaw joint, connects the jawbone to the skull. When this joint isn’t functioning properly, it can cause pain or discomfort. Fortunately, TMJ therapy can help. A dentist near you can help you with treatments for jaw pain through TMJ therapy near you.
What are the Signs of a TMJ Problem?
Sometimes, jaw problems go away on their own. However, if your pain persists, you may have a TMJ disorder. Here are some simple signs.
| Symptom (What you feel) | Simple Explanation |
| Jaw Pain or Tenderness | Your jaw or face muscles hurt, especially when you chew or talk. |
| Clicking or Popping Sound | You hear a click or pop sound when you open or close your mouth. (If it doesn’t hurt, it’s often normal). |
| Trouble Opening Your Mouth | It’s hard to open your mouth wide, or your jaw feels “locked.” |
| Headache or Earache | You have headaches, especially near your temples, or your ear hurts even though you don’t have an ear infection. |
Why Do People Need TMJ Therapy?
TMJ problems can happen for many reasons. Sometimes it’s from an injury to the jaw. Sometimes it is caused by things you don’t even notice you are doing.
- If you clench your teeth often, especially at night, you’re putting excess strain on your jaw joint and muscles. The technical term for this is “bruxism,” which is often a sleep disorder.
- When stressed, you may unconsciously tighten the muscles of your face and jaw.
- When the top teeth don’t fit into the bottom ones properly, the misalignment can put a strain on the jaw joint.
If your jaw has started hurting you or you feel discomfort, you can see a dentist in Peterborough who will take a look at your teeth and jaw to get to the root of the problem and suggest the best TMJ therapy that would work best for you.
Simple and Effective TMJ Treatments
TMJ therapy (the treatment of jaw pain) helps relax and heal your jaw joint and muscles.
1. Self-Care at Home:
- Eat a diet of soft foods like mashed potatoes, soup, and yogurt that do not require chewing. Avoid chewy gum and hard candies.
- Putting a warm, moist washcloth or an ice pack on the side of your face can help soothe sore muscles.
- Try to be aware of when you are clenching your teeth during the day and gently rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth, keeping your teeth slightly apart.
2. Dental Appliances (Night Guards/Splints):
In case your dentist suspects you of teeth grinding or clenching, they might suggest a mouthguard, which is also called an occlusal splint. A clear plastic piece that fits over your teeth and is usually worn in bed. Wearing a mouth guard can help keep your teeth protected and will keep your jaw in an improved, more relaxed position to relieve strain in the joint.
3. Simple Medications:
Your dentist near you might recommend simple pain medicine you can buy at the store. This brings relief from swelling and pain in joints and the underlying muscles. At times, they might give you a special medicine called a muscle relaxer to help those tight jaw muscles relax and ease tension.
4. Physical Therapy:
Like how you gently move your injured knee, your jaw muscles also need some gentle exercises. A dentist can teach you jaw exercises and controlled motions that would help with smooth jaw motion while strengthening the muscles.
Finding TMJ Therapy Near You
Get dental assistance at the earliest if you suffer from jaw pain. Finding a local dentist offering TMJ therapy in Peterborough will prevent your condition from worsening. If treatment is done early, the results will be faster.
Ready for Relief? Talk to a Professional
If your jaw pain isn’t getting better with simple home care, it’s time to see a professional. Lotus Family Dental, offering TMJ therapy near you, can check your jaw, teeth, and muscles to figure out exactly what’s causing the problem. We want to help you get rid of that pain so you can go back to eating, talking, and laughing comfortably! Don’t let a sore jaw hold you back—there are many effective ways to treat it. Call us today!
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