Is Your TMJ Pain Altering Your Daily Life?
Any pain within your body can affect the way you live, but facial pain can impact you even more. When your TMJ is hurting, it can be hard for you to eat and speak with others. This pain can make you feel self-conscious in public, affecting your relationships.
Dr. Kruger is an experienced and well-trained dentist who can relieve the pain in your TMJ and help you get back to living your life normally. This will likely boost your self-confidence and improve different aspects of your life.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is located on the side of your jaw and connects your jawbone to your skull. It directly affects your ability to chew your food as well as how you speak. If this joint becomes misaligned or injured, it can cause temporomandibular joint disorder — also known as TMD.
This disorder causes extreme pain throughout your entire jaw and may cause it to “lock” at times. TMD can be caused by teeth grinding, a direct hit to the jaw, or even stress. If you’re experiencing any pain in your jaw, it’s crucial that we address it before it becomes more severe.
Symptoms of TMD
TMJ disorder can begin as a subtle pain and grow in severity over time. If you experience consistent discomfort in your jaw, it’s important that you seek help right away. You may be suffering from this condition if you feel any of the following:
- Sore jawbone joint
- Inflammation in the jawbone or joint
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Aching face and jaw
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Ringing in the ears — also known as tinnitus
- Headaches
The Connection Between Arthritis and TMJ Disorder
Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints and the cartilage around them. If it reaches your jaw, it can eventually destroy the cartilage altogether and negatively affect your bite and ability to speak.
Since arthritis weakens the jaw, it can lead to misalignment of the teeth and other oral problems. Many times the two conditions can be confused, or one can lead to the other. The symptoms listed above can also be due to your arthritis.
TMD Treatment
If you think you’re suffering from TMJ disorder, get in touch with our staff right away. We’ll schedule you an appointment with Dr. Kruger so he can evaluate your jaw. Our goal is to provide you with the most comfortable and convenient treatment possible.
The most common method we offer is an oral appliance. It’s also known as a nightguard and is custom made to fit the size and shape of your jaw. This device is a non-invasive alternative to surgery and will provide you will quality results by stopping your teeth from grinding or clenching together.
Exercises for TMJ Relief
For many people, stress causes the pain and tension in their jaw that leads to TMD. In addition to providing you with a customized oral appliance, Dr. Kruger can also recommend exercises to help strengthen your jaw.
Sometimes developing techniques to help you relax during the day and while you sleep will relieve the tension in your jaw, improving your condition. If you’re looking to cure your TMJ as quickly as possible, talk to Dr. Kruger about this additional treatment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor for TMJ?
We recommend contacting us at one of our two locations as soon as you start experiencing jaw pain.
What causes jaw pain when chewing?
If your TMJ is misaligned and rubbing against your other joints or ligaments, this can cause pain while chewing.
Is ear pain when chewing or yawning normal?
Ear pain while chewing or yawning may be a sign of TMD.
Should my jaw pop when I chew?
If your jaw is popping, this may be a sign that your TMJ is injured and you should have your jaw examined.
Can TMJ cause hearing loss?
While it’s rare, TMJ disorder can cause minor hearing loss if left untreated for a long period of time.
Can TMJ cause muscle spasms?
Muscle spasms may be a coping mechanism for your body if you’re suffering from TMJ pain.
What is the best pain medication for TMJ?
Pain relievers such as Ibuprofin are a good way to alleviate your pain, but having an oral appliance made is the best treatment method.
Contact Us to Alleviate Your Jaw Pain
Do you want to eliminate the pain in your TMJ and restore your daily functions? Contact our Oelwein office at (319) 283-4222 or our West Union office at (563) 422-6292 to learn more information. You can also fill out our convenient contact form if you’d prefer.