Do you wake up with a sore jaw or a dull headache? You aren’t alone. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can stress the jaw muscles and cause inflammation and damage within the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Inflamed jaw joints can cause TMJ disorders.
Dr. Srotalina Khanna is an experienced restorative dentist who can help address tooth grinding and other TMJ symptoms. Dr. Khanna offers custom nightguards to treat TMJ. This conservative treatment can address grinding, jaw pain, and morning headaches. At Bethesda Family Smiles, we know TMJ disorders can be painful and stressful. Dr. Khanna offers compassionate, non-judgmental care to help you find relief.
Do You Have TMJ? Common Signs and Symptoms
Many different symptoms can point to a TMJ disorder. The most common ones usually involve pain or tension in the jaw area.
You may have TMJ if you experience:
- Jaw pain
- Toothaches
- Chronic headaches (especially in the morning)
- Earaches
- Jaw popping when you bite and chew
Call Bethesda Family Smiles as soon as you notice any of these signs. Dr. Khanna will examine your teeth and jaw to determine if you have TMJ.
Causes of TMJ Disorders
There is no single cause of TMJ disorders. A combination of different factors is usually at play. Dr. Khanna works to determine the root causes so she can treat the problem, not just the symptoms. Common causes include:
- Teeth Grinding and Clenching: You likely grind your teeth without even realizing it. You may also catch yourself grinding your teeth during the day when you are stressed or concentrating hard. The continuous action slowly wears down the jaw joint and strains the muscles throughout your jaw and face.
- Bite Problems: When your bite does not come together properly, it puts uneven pressure on your teeth and jaw. The disc that allows your jaw to track smoothly can start to wear down because it is moving in an odd alignment. This can lead to functional issues with the jaw.
- Other Medical Conditions: Arthritis is a degenerative bone condition that affects the joints and their function. Trauma or injury can also affect the jaw joint and cause misalignment.
- Stress and Anxiety: Many patients clench their jaw under stress. This puts extra strain on the jaw muscles and can worsen TMJ symptoms.
Habits that can worsen your TMJ:
- Biting your nails
- Chewing on pens or pencils
- Using your teeth as tools (like opening packages)
- Taking big bites of food
- Sleeping on your stomach
You can’t always control the causes of TMJ, but being aware of these habits can help you make small changes that reduce strain on your jaw.
Your TMJ Treatment Options at Bethesda Family Smiles
Dr. Khanna offers several treatment options for TMJ disorders in Bethesda, MD. The right one for you depends on the cause of your symptoms and your individual needs.
Custom TMJ Night Guards
A night guard is a comfortable, custom-fitted oral appliance that protects your teeth and eases jaw tension while you sleep.
We use digital impressions to create your night guard. This means no goopy, messy material. The process is quick and comfortable. You will receive your custom night guard in about two weeks.
Night guards are very effective for managing TMJ disorders. They:
- Provide jaw support and comfort
- Reduce strain on the jaw
- Prevent tooth grinding and protect your enamel
- Lessen pain and improve your sleep
- Improve your jaw function
Bite Correction
If your bite is misaligned, restorative treatments like crowns or bonding can help balance your bite and reduce jaw strain. Dr. Khanna will evaluate your bite and recommend the best approach.
Orthodontic Treatment
Invisalign or other orthodontic solutions can correct alignment issues that contribute to TMJ. Proper alignment provides relief from TMJ symptoms and prevents further issues.
Stress Management Guidance
We offer simple tips and exercises to help you relax your jaw muscles and reduce daytime clenching. Small changes can make a big difference.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Read answers to these frequently asked questions about TMJ treatment in Bethesda, MD.
Why do I have a TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorders occur for many different reasons. Many patients develop TMJ disorders after years of leaving their teeth grinding untreated. Additionally, TMJ disorders may occur if you have missing or misaligned teeth. Patients who clench their jaw together under stress are also likely to experience the signs and symptoms of a TMJ disorder.
My jaw hurts right now. What can I do?
You can do several things to relieve pressure on your jaw. First, you can hold a cold compress to your jawbone to prevent inflammation and swelling. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to manage your discomfort until you can see a dentist and find a long-term solution.
How effective are oral appliances like night guards for TMJ?
Night guards are very effective in managing TMJ disorders. We can provide you with this oral appliance in about two weeks. Wearing your custom night guard when you sleep will help lessen your pain, improve your sleep, and improve your jaw function.
How are sleep and teeth grinding connected?
Most people who grind their teeth do it while they sleep. This is called sleep bruxism. During certain stages of sleep, your brain activity changes. Your heart rate goes up, and your jaw muscles can become active. This can cause you to clench or grind your teeth without knowing it.
Relieve Pain From Teeth Grinding Today
You do not have to live with jaw pain, headaches, or teeth grinding. Relief is possible.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Khanna today. She will listen to your symptoms, examine your smile, and help you find the right treatment with no judgment and no pressure.
Call us at 301-500-2205 or request an appointment online. We serve patients in Bethesda, Rockville, Kensington, and throughout Montgomery County. We can’t wait to help you feel better.