TMJ Awareness Month: Facts to Know

November is National TMJ Awareness Month. What a great reminder to stop and assess if you or your family members are being affected by this silent but painful condition! 

What is TMJ or TMD?

TMD or TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder) is a condition in which the muscles and ligaments around your jaw joints do not function properly, become inflamed or irritated. This inflammation, slight dislocation and tension may arise from a variety of causes, but can often develop due to subconsciously grinding or clenching teeth. 

 
tmj disorder, or the inflammation and improper functioning of the muscles and joints around the jaw, can be treated at WoodSprings Dentistry, dental office serving The Woodlands and Spring, TX
 

Why is TMJ awareness important?

According to tmj.org, approximately 35 million Americans suffer from TMJ, and 90 percent of patients seeking treatment for TMJ are women of childbearing age. Additionally, studies show that 30+ health conditions can coexist with TMJ disorders.

This condition, while prevalent in our society and strikingly common among adult women, is relatively complex and can cause major limitations as well as chronic, unrelenting pain. Growing awareness about both the causes and symptoms of TMJ disorder can help individuals suffering from chronic pain and the damaging effects of TMJ find much needed relief and treatment.

One of the most common causes of TMJ disorder is bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching, particularly at night. Of course, if you are sleeping, how do you know if you are grinding your teeth? If you suspect you may grind or clench your teeth, please consult with a dentist near you in The Woodlands or Spring about any symptoms you may be experiencing. Some common signs that you may grind your teeth include:

  • Increased tooth pain or sensitivity

  • Tired or tight jaw muscles

  • Jaw, neck or face pain or soreness

  • Pain that feels like an earache

  • Dull headache starting in the temples

  • Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek

  • Disrupted sleep

What are some common treatments for TMJ?

Mouthguards

One popular treatment for TMJ Dysfunction is to prescribe a mouthguard, or oral appliance, which covers the biting surface of your teeth. If your TMJ pain is caused by teeth grinding or clenching, our dentists, Drs. James and Samantha Tejada, may recommend a custom mouthguard as an effective TMJ treatment. 

As mentioned above, teeth grinding and clenching is also known as bruxism. If you suffer from the effects of bruxism, then you grind or clench your teeth subconsciously.  A mouthguard will cover the teeth and protect them from excessive wear and strain, thus providing relief from symptoms and also protecting your teeth from permanent damage and wear.  Custom mouthguards are made to fit your teeth perfectly, providing the best experience in both comfort and protection.

At our dental office conveniently located near The Woodlands in Spring, TX, our dentists at WoodSprings Dentistry can provide you with custom-fitted mouth guards to protect your teeth and prevent painful injuries.

Botox for TMJ

A second popular treatment for TMJ Dysfunction is Botox therapy. Dr. Samantha Tejada, cosmetic and general dentist at WoodSprings Dentistry, is experienced with Botox therapy - both as a patient (read her story here) and also as a provider - in treating TMJ Dysfunction with Botox. 

How does Botox help treat TMJ, teeth clenching and grinding?

Botox injections into the jaw muscles prevent the nerves from signaling to the muscles to clench or tighten. For patients who unconsciously clench or grind their teeth, Botox will relax the muscles and provide temporary relief of strain on the jaw joints. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and condition, Botox may be sufficient treatment, but most often patients will experience the most benefit when Botox is used as a supplementary treatment with a custom mouth guard.

Botox will also provide relief and relaxed jaw muscles when you are NOT wearing a nightguard since teeth clenching and grinding do not just happen at night. Some patients may need Botox injections in order to experience 24-hour relief and protection against the symptoms and effects of TMJ, teeth clenching and grinding.

Botox can be particularly helpful for anyone suffering from TMJ pain and headaches or for those who cannot wear a mouth guard. The oral and dental health benefits available with Botox injections are now offered at WoodSprings Dentistry, conveniently located and serving patients from The Woodlands, Tx, and Spring, Tx, communities.

Suffering from TMJ? During TMJ Awareness Month, our team of dentists and dental professionals want to help patients understand the symptoms and available treatments so that those suffering from this condition can experience relief. If you or your loved may be suffering from TMJ, book an appointment at WoodSprings Dentistry today.

Joelle Allen