Overcome Constant Jaw Pain and Headaches with Effective TMJ Pain Treatment at a Dentist’s Office

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ for short, is a condition that affects the jaw joints. This condition is also referred to as TMD and can cause pain in the jaw joints and the muscles that control jaw movement. Other symptoms of TMJ include earaches, headaches, neck aches, backaches, and even dizziness.

If you experience persistent pain in the jaws, head, and facial muscles, you should visit Monterey Peninsula Smiles in Marina, California, for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Philip Wolff offers customized mouthguards and other therapies to relieve TMJ pain. 

What is TMJ pain?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are located on each side of the mouth in a joint capsule that moves during the opening and closing of the mouth. Many muscles are attached to these jaw joints that cause the opening and closing movement and help with chewing. A malfunction in the jaw joint area can result in various symptoms. 

The Symptoms of TMJ Pain

Temporomandibular joint disorder symptoms can manifest as jaw pain, headaches or migraines, and tinnitus. Because these symptoms can result from several conditions, it’s essential to consult your dentist to determine the root cause of your symptoms.

The common symptoms of TMJ disorder include: 

  • Chronic headaches
  • Jaw pain or soreness
  • Locked jaws
  • Painful or difficulty chewing 
  • Clicking or popping sounds when using your jaws
  • Pain in the face, ears, and neck
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Causes of TMJ disorder

The most common cause of TMD is a misaligned bite that causes uneven wear on the surfaces of the teeth. This can lead to pain when chewing or talking. It can also put too much pressure on the biting surfaces of your teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity. If not properly treated, this can lead to tooth decay and loss.

Another common cause is the grinding of the teeth while sleeping. This puts unnecessary force on the teeth and can cause fractures or small chips in the enamel. Over time, this can break down the protective layers of your teeth and cause severe damage.

Effective TMJ Treatments

Various treatment options are available for treating temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), depending on the severity and specifics of each case. Some conditions can be treated with at-home remedies or over-the-counter medications. More severe cases may benefit from a consultation with an orthodontist who can create a custom oral appliance or other treatment options to treat TMD.

Orthodontics may be used to reposition the jaw to relieve pain caused by TMD. Splints and night guards may also be recommended to help prevent the teeth from touching and reduce the effects of bruxism. 

TMJ Pain Relief Near MeAre you struggling with TMD? Now is the time to contact Monterey Peninsula Smiles for TMJ pain management. We are located at 3154 De Forest Rd Suite A, but we serve the surrounding locations of Monterey, Salinas, Seaside, and Carmel, CA. Call (831) 484-7724 for the best dental care customized to your needs.