Relief from Jaw Pain, Grinding, and Clenching

Do you often have headaches paired with tightness and soreness in the jaw area? Then know that you are not alone: many patients are living with TMJ: temporomandibular joint disorder. At Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas, our team is here to help you find relief from these uncomfortable symptoms.

TMJ: What Is It?

The temporomandibular joint is located where the jaw bone meets the skull. This joint works throughout the day when you talk, eat, and more. If there is an injury or damage to the joint, then it can result in discomfort and pain.

Additionally, patients often experience other symptoms relating to TMJ:

• Headaches
• Pain in the temples
• Teeth clenching and grinding
• Jaw clicking
• Popping in the ears
• Stiff or sore jaw muscles
• Locked jaw

You might have just a few of these symptoms, or some people experience a wide variety of TMJ symptoms from one day to the next.

TMJ Treatments to Help You Feel Better

Not only is it uncomfortable, but the grinding and clenching can result in long-term damage to your teeth. If you suspect you have TMJ, then the best thing you can do is schedule a consultation with our Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas team to learn more about treatment options.

Immediate relief is possible with ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications. Other treatment options include massage, stretching, and stress reduction. Some patients also find it helpful to avoid overusing the jaw muscles. For example, don’t chew gum, and make sure you stay away from chewy or sticky foods.

But if you want to prevent the pain and grinding, consider using a TMJ bite guard. This dental appliance is custom-fit to match the size and shape of your mouth. Wearing it at night adjusts the position of the bite, so your jaw can relax while you are sleeping.

Our experienced dental team helps you get to the root cause of TMJ. Using a bite guard at night helps relax the jaw, alleviating symptoms during the day.

Schedule a Consultation with Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas

You don’t need to live with pain and tension every day. If you are looking for relief, reach out to us to learn more about different treatments. We have an office located in the DFW area and offer full-service dental treatments for the whole family. Call today for more information!