If you find yourself with constant strain or tension in your jaw, it could be a sign of a TMJ disorder. At Slate Dental, our team spends time with our patients to help them discover the root of their discomfort or pain. We can determine the right treatment for them through discussion and a thorough exam. Our office also provides general, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments and services for our patients.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When it functions properly, it lets you talk and chew without pain. TMJ disorders can cause pain in your jaw and face. Causes can include injury, arthritis, or grinding your teeth. If left untreated, TMJ can lead to chronic pain and affect your quality of life.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders can have many causes. One common cause is grinding or clenching your teeth, which puts too much pressure on your jaw. Some people grind their teeth when they are stressed or while they sleep and don’t even know they’re doing it. An injury to the jaw or face can also lead to TMJ problems.
Other causes include arthritis, which can damage the joint, or problems with how your teeth fit together when you bite. In some cases, poor posture or habits like chewing gum all the time may also lead to TMJ pain.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ
The symptoms of TMJ disorders can range from mild to serious:
- Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw popping and clicking
- Orofacial pain
- Jaw clenching
- Tooth wear
- Earaches and ear pain
Why do I unconsciously grind my teeth?
Many people grind their teeth without even knowing it. This is called bruxism and is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ. It often happens while you’re sleeping or when you’re feeling stressed or worried. You might grind your teeth during the day without realizing it, especially when you’re focused or upset.
Stress and anxiety are two of the most common reasons people grind their teeth. Your body can react to stress in different ways, and grinding your teeth is one of them. Some people also clench their jaw tightly when they’re frustrated or nervous.
Another reason could be that your teeth don’t line up properly when you bite. If your bite is off, your jaw may try to fix the problem by moving in ways that cause grinding. Sleep problems, like snoring or sleep apnea, can also be linked to nighttime teeth grinding.
Some medicines, especially those used to treat depression, can also make grinding more likely. Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol may also make the problem worse.
The good news is that Dr. Slate can evaluate your bite as part of TMJ treatment in his Washington, DC, office. He can determine if he needs to fit you for a mouthguard or if you need more extensive treatment for your TMJ.
Diagnosis of TMJ
When you visit our office, Dr. Slate will take the time to understand what you’re feeling and find out what’s causing your jaw pain. Diagnosing TMJ starts with a careful look at your symptoms and how your jaw works.
- Dental Exam: Dr. Slate will begin with a full dental exam. He’ll gently feel your jaw as you open and close your mouth to check for popping, clicking, or locking. Dr. Slate will also listen for any unusual sounds and look for signs of swelling or tenderness in your jaw muscles. This exam helps him see if your jaw is moving the way it should.
- Medical History Review: Dr. Slate will also ask about your medical history. He’ll want to know if you’ve had any past jaw injuries, arthritis, or if you grind your teeth. Understanding your health history helps him figure out what might be causing your TMJ symptoms.
- Bite Evaluation: Another important part of the diagnosis is a bite evaluation. Dr. Slate will check how your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite. If your bite is off, it can put extra stress on your jaw and cause TMJ problems.
All this information helps Dr. Slate create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
TMJ Disorder Treatment in Washington, DC
If you’re struggling with jaw pain, popping, or other signs of TMJ disorder, Dr. Slate is here to help. Once he finds out what’s causing your TMJ symptoms, he will create a personalized treatment plan just for you. Every patient is different, so your treatment will be designed to meet your unique needs. Dr. Slate may also recommend simple lifestyle changes, like eating softer foods or avoiding chewing gum, to help reduce your pain and protect your jaw.
TMJ Nightguard
One common treatment is a custom mouthguard, also called a nightguard. This is a special device you wear while sleeping. It helps protect your teeth from grinding and takes pressure off your jaw joints and muscles. Dr. Slate will take dental impressions of your teeth to send to our local dental lab. Once your custom nightguard is complete, Dr. Slate will make adjustments so it lines up with your bite.
Orthodontics
If your bite is uneven, Dr. Slate may recommend orthodontic treatment to fix how your teeth come together. This can help your jaw work more smoothly. However, we don’t recommend Invisalign for patients who grind their teeth, because grinding can damage the clear aligners.
Restorative and Cosmetic Care
In some cases, you may need dental work to repair worn-down teeth, replace missing teeth, or adjust the shape of your bite. We can recommend dental bonding to fix chipped teeth. If you have worn teeth from teeth grinding, we may place a crown.
Lifestyle Treatments for TMJ
If you have TMJ disorder, there are several lifestyle treatments that can help relieve your symptoms and improve how your jaw feels and moves. These treatments can often be done at home or with the help of Dr. Slate.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a helpful way to manage TMJ. A therapist can teach you special exercises to stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles. These exercises can improve movement, reduce pain, and help your jaw work more smoothly. Sometimes, heat or cold therapy can reduce swelling or relax tight muscles.
Pain Relievers
If you have mild TMJ pain, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort. For more serious pain, Dr. Slate may prescribe stronger pain relievers or muscle relaxants. These can help ease jaw tension but are usually used for a short time. Anti-inflammatory medicines may also be recommended to reduce swelling in your jaw joint and help you feel better.
Self-Care Strategies
Stress is a big trigger for TMJ, so learning how to relax is important. You can try deep breathing, stretching, or doing something calming. Gentle jaw exercises and massage can also help relax your muscles and improve blood flow. Avoid chewing gum and stay away from hard or crunchy foods to give your jaw time to heal. Small changes like these can make a big difference in how you feel daily.
Schedule a Bite Consultation
TMJ can cause significant discomfort and affect your daily life. Getting treatment from your TMJ dentist in Washington, DC, can provide relief. Call (425) 584-3751 or request an appointment with Dr. Slate online.