TMJ Solutions
Many people suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to the Temporomandibular joint or TMJ as most people know it.
Dr. Granger can identify and help protect you from the harmful effects of tooth grinding or Bruxism caused by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.
Symptoms of TMJ include:
- Broken teeth
- Pain in the jaw area
- Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
- Swelling on the sides of the face
- Muscle spasms in the jaw area
- A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
- Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth
If you have some of these symptoms and the pain persists, call our office. Dr Granger has solutions.
TMJ Dysfunction Therapy starts in our office. If your case is typical we suggest a conservative treatment at first. There are a few simple steps you can take at home or work to prevent TMJ from becoming more severe, or to prevent it from occurring:
- Relax your face — remember the rule: "Lips together, teeth apart"
- Avoid grinding your teeth
- Avoid constant gum chewing
- Don't cradle the phone receiver between your head and shoulder — either use a headset or hold the receiver in your hand
- Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
- Do not sit with your chin rested on your hand
- Practice good posture — keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared
Should your case be more severe, Dr. Granger may suggest an occlusal splint or “Night guard” as well as medications to help relax the Temporomandibular joint. Muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics are typically effective.
Dr. Granger can recommend certain exercises to stretch the mouth and make the jaw stronger. He also can suggest relaxation techniques to reduce the amount of stress in the jaw.
If you are experiencing joint pain in your jaw and live in the Bowie-Mitchellville MD area give Enterprise Dental Care a call at 301-249-3333. Dr. Granger and his team are ready to help you.