When you have regular headaches, your discomfort could be linked to a jaw joint disorder known as TMJ disorder. Also referred to as TMD, this could cause problems opening and closing your mouth, and lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms. In today’s blog, your Richfield, MN, dentist will explain the link between headaches and TMD, and the solutions we offer.
The Causes of TMD
TMJ disorder could be caused by a number of factors that upset the balance of your bite, causing strain on the joints that connect your jaw and skull. Examples include injury to the face or jaw, tooth loss, untreated teeth grinding, or problem with the growth and development of the jaw. Dental misalignment and factors that alter then position of the teeth could have an impact as well. Without treatment, this could lead to trouble opening and closing your mouth fully.
Headaches and Other Symptoms
How do you know if you should seek treatment for an issue like TMD? Warning signs will vary, and could include persistent headaches and migraines. Along with headaches, you could experience a popping or crackling sensation in the jaw, as well as jaw and facial pain, and aches in the shoulder and neck. The disorder is also linked to bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, so tooth sensitivity and toothaches could be a warning sign as well. If you encounter one or more of these potential warning signs, then please see us right for an examination.
Treatment with an Oral Appliance
Using detailed digital scanning technology, our team will take a close look at your smile. We can identify the factors behind your TMD, and recommend the most appropriate treatment option. For some, this could include orthodontic care to reposition the teeth. Placing a crown could help improve bite balance and ease strain as well. However, in most cases we may suggest an oral appliance. The digital images we gathered will be used to design and custom-fit an appliance that looks and fits like a simple mouthguard. However, when worn at night the device actually repositions the jaw to ease strain and prevent further symptoms. The device also helps those who grind their teeth, providing a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth top prevent further damage.
If you have any questions about treating TMJ disorder, or if you have experience one or more of the symptoms we mentioned in today’s blog, then contact our team today to learn more about our oral appliance therapy.
Your Richfield, MN Dentist’s Office Provides Preventive Appliances
At our Richfield, MN dentist’s office, wants to help prevent discomfort related to TMD. To find out more about how we approach preventive dentistry, then please call Cedar West Family Dentistry at (612) 861-7188.
