Local Dental Care - Sleep Bruxism Libertyville, IL

Temporomandibular Joint Treatment and Migraine Headaches

You may know people with Type-A personalities. You may even be Type-A yourself. Always connected, high energy and hard driving. These people may be even more successful than their associates and friends. That's the positive side. But there's a negative side, too. For some Type-A personalities, stress and anxiety can intensify the symptoms of TMJ disorder (Temporomandibular joint disorders). TMJ disorder symptoms can take the form of everything from migraine headaches and earaches, to neck, shoulder and facial pain. Teeth clenching, a stress-related habit, increases pressure on the jaw, resulting in pain or even lockjaw in severe cases.

You can't change your personality type (nor would you want to!), but treatment is available for those suffering from TMJ disorder. We can realign and reduce pressure on the jaw and reduce or even eliminate pain.

Don't stress out. Accentuate the positive. Call your dentist for help in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

TMJ Treatment

There are a range of TMJ treatment available for people suffering from jaw pain caused by TMJ disorder. TMJ dentists recommend starting with the simplest treatment options first.

TMJ pain can often be relieved with some simple TMJ exercises to stretch and loosen the jaw muscles. Other things that can help include anti-inflammatory medicines (like Tylenol or Advil), moist heat packs, avoiding hard or chewy foods, or physical therapy.

Treatment for TMJ disorders may include a TMJ mouth guard (also known as a night guard or bite plate) or a TMJ splint. These dental appliances fit into your mouth like an orthodontic retainer or athletic mouth guard, and they hold your teeth apart while you sleep to relieve stress and tension.

A bad bite can cause TMJ pain. If you have crooked teeth, your dentist may recommend orthodontic braces to straighten your teeth and improve your bite. Worn-down teeth or dental work may require some reconstructive dentistry.

TMJ surgery is the jaw treatment of last resort. Your TMJ dentist or TMJ physician can refer you to a TMJ specialist, like an oral surgeon experienced in jaw surgery. There are different TMJ surgeries available; a TMJ surgeon can help you decide if one might be right for you. However, it's essential that you try less invasive, reversible treatments for TMJ first!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.