Another day, another headache. Does it really have to be this way?
Should your morning start with your looking for ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin? It doesn’t have to if you know what’s causing your problem. If you are waking up with frequent headaches, it’s possible they may be caused by a TMJ disorder.
To put it another way, the pain in your head may be because of a problem with your jaw. This is more likely if you also experience pain while eating or limited jaw movement in addition to your frequent headaches.
So what can you do about TMJ problems? You can call Beaumont Family Dentistry and ask about Trudenta®. If you live in Georgetown, Richmond, or anywhere in between, you are within driving distance of one of our three dentist offices in Lexington.
Your TMJ Can Ruin Your Day
If you have a TMD, or TMJ disorder, then you already know that it can make a good day go bad and a bad day even worse.
TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. This is what allows you to open and close your mouth when you speak and when you eat.
We’ve already mentioned headaches, including migraines, as one of the more common symptoms of TMD. We’ve all had headaches, and we all know how disruptive they can be. The worst headaches can make us want to escape from every light and sound and just get away from people. You might be able to do that if you are at home, but a headache at work can make your life unbearable.
Earaches can have the same effect, and they too can be the result of a TMJ problem.
TMD also can cause neck and shoulder pain, and they can make your jaw feel sore or tender. This may be a constant pain, or it can be a sharper pain that becomes more noticeable when you’ve been moving your jaw a lot. You may notice this pain when you are eating or shortly after you’ve finished a meal.
What may be worse is that TMJ disorders can limit the range of motion of your jaw. Even if this is temporary, it can cause big problems. Imagine trying to eat lunch if you can only open your mouth partially or trying to give presentation with that same problem.
Sometimes, your jaw can feel like it’s stuck. Whether it’s in an open or closed position, this can be embarrassing.
… And Gnashing Of Teeth
No, we aren’t making a Biblical reference. We are talking about bruxism, which is grinding, clenching, or gnashing your teeth together.
This can be a major cause of TMJ problems, along with arthritis or injuries to your jaw.
It’s quite possible that you are grinding your teeth together without knowing you are doing so.
Those morning headaches? That can happen when your clench your teeth in your sleep. This may be exactly what’s happening if you wake up multiple times a week with a headache or a sore jaw.
Another common cause of bruxism is stress. We all deal with stress in our own way.
One of those ways is by clenching our teeth together. You may catch yourself doing this sometimes so you don’t say something that could get you in trouble, but other times you may be doing it unconsciously in response to an unanticipated problem at home or at work.
So, What Can A Dentist Do About TMJ?
At Beaumont Family Dentistry, we can offer you Trudenta®. This is a systematic approach to treating TMJ problems.
Trudenta® involves four phases of treatment. The goal is to provide a long-term solution instead of just a temporary fix.
During the first phase, which lasts 8 to 12 weeks, you will come to our office. We will use manual muscle therapy, microcurrent electrostimulation, and ultrasound therapy to help relax your jaw and facial muscles.
The second phase take place concurrently with the first one. This is the at-home portion of your treatment. You may be using cold packs, lotions, medicines, and relaxation techniques to help ease the tension on your jaw.
The third phase is orthodontic treatment. Don’t worry, this isn’t braces. It’s a mouthguard you wear in your sleep. This prevents your from grinding your teeth together.
Finally, we will do force balancing therapy to help you spread out the pressure on your jaw more evenly.
Pain, Pain Go Away
If you are ready to wake up feeling good instead of feeling like you need to get to the medicine cabinet, visit Beaumont Family Dentistry to treat your TMJ. With our knowledge and Trudenta®, we can help you start feeling better.
Call any of our offices or make an appointment online.