Teeth grinding and sore jaws and headaches, oh my! That’s what life can be like when you are struggling with a TMJ disorder or TMD.

It’s not fun for you, and in fact, it can prevent you from enjoying your daily life. We want you to be able to do the things that you want to do. That’s why we encourage you to visit the nearest Sunrise Dental if you suspect you may have a TMJ problem.

By making an appointment with our dentists in Durham, Raleigh, Cary, or Chapel Hill, we can explain how we can address your TMJ trouble and make your headaches go away.

TMJ Vs. A TMJ Disorder

You may have heard someone talking about having TMJ. You know what they mean, and that’s what matters.

Technically, everyone has TMJ. The temporomandibular joints are the ball-and-socket joints that connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. When these joints are working correctly, they allow you to open and close your mouth to eat, speak, sing, etc.

A TMJ disorder can arise when you are having problems with one or both of these joints. We’ll get to the specific symptoms in a moment.

For now, just remember that you can call any Sunrise Dental location to make an appointment if you need help with your TMJ problems.

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

We mentioned some of the symptoms of TMJ disorders earlier, but we want to make sure you understand what kinds of problems can arise from this condition.

You should call us if you are regularly dealing with one or more of the following symptoms:

• Sore, tender jaw
• Jaw pain during meals or after you eat
• Frequent headaches (including migraines) and earaches
• Face, neck, or upper back pain
• Popping or clicking sensations you open or close your jaw
• Limited jaw movement

Jaw mobility problems may include an inability to fully open or close your jaw. It also can mean the temporary inability to move your jaw at all.

Our Sunrise Dental team is well aware of the problems these symptoms can create for our patients. We will check for possible causes of your condition when you visit us.

Teeth grinding and misalignment issues can both be factors that contribute to TMJ disorders.

Treating TMJ Troubles

Our dentists are well trained and prepared to address your TMJ issues, but not all TMJ issues rise to the level of TMJ disorders.

You may want to try home remedies first.

Applying something warm and moist to your jaw could improve mobility. Ice or cold packs could numb your pain and reduce swelling of the muscles around your jaw.

Over-the-counter pain relievers may be enough to help with the headaches or jaw pain that you are feeling. Even eating softer foods temporarily may be enough to alleviate your symptoms.

What you should watch for, what our team at Sunrise Dental wants you to watch for, is whether your symptoms persists in spite of your treatments or if they recur when you stop the treatments. Those are the signs that you TMJ problem may be a TMJ disorder.

TMJ disorders develop due to extra pressure on your jaw joints, and one of the common causes of this pressure is teeth grinding. We know from research and from our personal experience in treating patients that many people are not aware that they grind their teeth together. Millions of people do this in their sleep.

Researchers have learned that teeth grinders can put more than double the normal pressure on their jaws. That’s a lot of added stress for your TMJ and the surrounding tissues to deal with.

At Sunrise Dental, we could make a mouthguard to “deprogram” your jaw. This mouthguard can be worn while you sleep. It will keep your top and bottom teeth separated from each other, and it will allow your jaw to rest in a more relaxed position.

By alleviating the pressure on your jaw, you should notice fewer headaches, earaches, jaw pain, and other problems in the long run.

Talk To Us About Your TMJ Concerns

Every member of the Sunrise Dental team wants to help our patients. Our dentists will gladly discuss your TMJ issues and concerns. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we will do everything we can to treat your condition if and when it is needed.

To schedule a consultation with our dentists in Durham, Raleigh, Cary, or Chapel Hill, call or contact us online today.