Welcome to Covington Dental Partners online! Dr. Sterling Whitworth and Dr. Caralyn Leonard are pleased to help our patients in Covington, Georgia, and the surrounding areas with all of your dental needs. In today’s blog, we would like to answer some common questions regarding TMJ. So, let’s begin!
What is TMJ? The joint which connects your jaw to your skull is known as the temporomandibular joint. If it is somehow injured, it can cause pain known as TMJ syndrome.
What causes TMJ? Something as simple as chewing gum excessively, poor posture, stress, misalignment of the jaw, teeth grinding by day or night, tooth injury or injury to the jaw.
What effect does TMJ have on you? Pain the joints of the jaw, clicking and popping of the jaw, pain in the ears, ear popping, dizziness or vertigo, headaches or migraines, sore or even stiff jaw muscles, pain in your temple, and possibly the locking of your jaw.
What are your treatment options?
The first line of defense begins at home with proper care and home remedies. You can find relief by placing ice packs on the joint, using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine which are nonsteroidal, reducing stress levels, implementing massages and stretches, stop chewing gum, and eating soft foods.
Additional options which we may offer include:
–A mouthguard or nightguard to alleviate bruxism.
–A dental splint, similar to a mouthguard to provide relief.
–Medications such as muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, etc.
–Physical therapy that includes jaw exercises.
–Jaw surgery.
If you have further questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please give our team a call at 770-786-9339 today!
