8 Ways To Relieve TMD Pain

Apr 18th, 2021
Easton Dentists May 6th, 2021

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint, jaw muscles, and even nerves on one or both sides of the head.  Pain in the jaw, face, head, and neck are indicators that you suffer from TMD.  If you suffer from TMD, here are a few tips and tricks to help ease your pain.

  1. Jaw Exercises

Gentle and slow exercises may help improve your jaw mobility and promote healing.  Your dentist or physical therapist can help evaluate your condition and based on that evaluation a series of exercises can be suggested.

  1. Relax Facial Muscles

Make a concentrated effort to relax your jaw muscles and keep your teeth apart.  This will relieve the stress on your facial muscles.

  1. Relaxation Techniques

Meditation, massage, and yoga can be instrumental in relaxing muscles tightened by stress.

  1. Over-the-Counter Analgesics

The short-term use of over-the-counter pain medication and anti-inflammatory’s, like ibuprofen, can provide temporary relief.  In some cases, your dentist can prescribe stronger medications.

  1. 8 Soft Diet

Blended or soft foods allow the jaw to relax temporarily.  Avoid hard, chewy or crunchy foods.  You should also avoid stretching your jaw to bite into food like apples.

  1. Moist Heat

Wrap a hot water bottle or heat pack in a warm, moist towel for temporary relief and to improve function.  As with anything that is heated, be careful that you don’t burn yourself.

  1. Ice

As with the above, ice can bring temporary relief by numbing your jaw.  When using ice, you should never place it directly on your skin; instead, wrap it in a clean cloth and you should not use it for more than 10-15 minutes at a time.

  1. Side Sleeping

Using a pillow for support between your shoulder and neck, side sleeping is another way you can relax your jaw.

Here at The Dental Center at Easton, our goal is to keep you healthy.  If you or someone you know is suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, call us for an appointment and we’ll help get you on the fast track to healing.

How Stress Affects Oral Health

Dec 21st, 2018
Easton Dentists Dec 21st, 2018

Most of our patients know a thing or two about stress. Whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, or a brief stressful life circumstance, we all encounter it from time to time. Most people associate stress with heart attacks or ulcers, but do you know how stress can affect your oral health?

Stress may negatively affect your oral health in indirect ways.

For starters, stress can cause folks to reach for coping strategies that aren’t so good for your teeth (or the rest of your body).

Junk food, sweets, cigarettes, or alcohol are just a few examples. When these substances interact with your teeth, they can do a lot of damage in the way of gum disease and tooth decay.

Secondly, when we are stressed, we tend to stop making positive health behaviors a priority. Let’s say you’re in the hospital after a car accident; your brushing and flossing routine will not be forefront on your mind.

Even a minor bout of stress from a tough day can have us reaching for our cozy bed and some relieve instead of taking the time to brush first.

And of course, keeping up with routine dental visits may fall completely off our priority list while under stress. This can prevent us from finding the early signs of decay and can cause more pain and stress later on.

How does stress affect our mouths directly?

Well, lots of folks grind their teeth as a physical way to deal with stress. You may be doing it without even realizing it! Ask a partner or someone who knows you well to tell you if you have this habit. Many of our patients benefit from wearing a mouth guard at night to protect against the damage of grinding their teeth. It protects wear and tear damage and alleviates muscle tension from the forces exerted when tightly clenching your jaw.

Also, when we are stressed we have higher levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, that put our body in a “flight or fight” state. This causes our blood pressure and blood sugar to increase, and our digestive and immune function to decrease. When our immune system isn’t functioning as it should, this can make periodontal disease more likely. It can also slow down the healing of other oral issues or injuries we may have.

What can you do about it?

The best thing you can do to prevent the stress of oral health issues is to maintain good dental hygiene and visit us regularly for routine visits. We want what’s best for you — and that includes a healthy mouth for a lifetime! Schedule an appointment today!

What You Need To Know About TMJ

Jan 31st, 2017
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Temporomandibular joint disorder is more than annoying. It can cause oral health problems, and can even affect your general health.
Signs And Symptoms Of TMJ

If you have developed TMJ, you may notice symptoms that affect your mouth. When you close or open your mouth, a grating or popping sound may occur. You may experience difficulty closing or opening your mouth.

Some TMJ symptoms may be present in your jaw. Your jaw can lock, and your jaw muscles may become swollen or painful. You may notice a numb or tingling sensation.

Pain from TMJ does not only affect your jaw. You may feel pain in your neck or ear, and you may develop headaches.

How To Prevent TMJ

While TMJ can be treated, and symptoms may disappear, it is easier to prevent this condition than to treat it afterward. If you are experiencing symptoms, consult with your dentist as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can prevent further problems.

One of the main causes of TMJ is clinching or grinding your teeth. Not only does this put pressure on your teeth that can damage your tooth enamel, it is harmful to your jaw. If you have this habit, ask your dentist for advice on how to stop.

In many cases, clinching and grinding occurs when you are dealing with stress. There are healthy ways to relieve stress that do not harm your oral health.

In some cases, though, it occurs during the nighttime. If you grind your teeth when you are asleep, you may not be aware of it. Perhaps your spouse, parent, or other family member has brought this problem to your attention.

Nighttime grinding can be prevented by wearing a mouth guard. Ready-made mouth guards can be purchased from sporting goods stores, but a better approach is to obtain one from your dentist. It will be the correct fit for your mouth, and you can learn how to care for it properly.
The best approach to TMJ is to prevent it before it develops. You can have good oral health.

The “Harmless” Habit That Could Make Your Teeth Fall Out. Literally.

Nov 19th, 2016
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

BiteGuard

Do you wake up some mornings with a headache of origins you can’t define? Do you experience vague muscle pain in your face? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of bruxism. What’s bruxism? You likely know it by its more informal name – two names, actually: “clenching” and “grinding.” It’s also not something you’ll want to ignore, because bruxism wears down the surface of your teeth and sets you up for cavities and tooth fractures. Severe cases can even contribute to tooth loss. Let’s find out how to stop this menace in its tracks.

 

What Causes Bruxism?

At The Dental Center at Easton, we’ve seen many factors can combine to create a bruxism habit. Stress and anxiety are believed to be leading causes, as are a misaligned bite, missing teeth, and sleep abnormalities. Some medications can also trigger episodes, as can neurological or musculature illnesses. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort due to bruxism, give us a call at (614) 414-0111.

 

Why Should I Be Concerned About Teeth Grinding? Isn’t It Normal?

Teeth grinding may be common, but it’s not “normal,” per se. Because the stresses of bruxism affect the entire jaw, this pressure can create cracks and chips in teeth, and over time can contribute to a shortening of lower face height due to bone loss. If that sounds scary, it should. It’s also a change you’ve seen before – in individuals who have lost all their teeth and do not wear dentures. We’re pretty sure that’s not a look you’re aiming to achieve.

 

How Do I Know I Have a Problem, and What Treatments Are Available?

In many cases, we’ll be able to see evidence of bruxism in your X-rays – and on the surface of your teeth – and will alert you to the problem long before you exhibit a single symptom, particularly if you sleep alone.  Occasionally however, you may start to clench and grind between visits and begin to notice symptoms on your own. If that’s more like your situation, and you find that you often wake with a sore jaw, a headache that goes away shortly after rising, or if a loved one tells you your teeth are making clickity-clankity noises all night, mention it the next time you’re visiting us.

As far as treatment goes, because the causes of bruxism are varied, the treatments vary as well. If we determine stress is the primary cause, we’ll likely recommend you abstain from excessive caffeine and alcohol, and attempt some form of daily relaxation. Even something as simple as a warm bath before sleeping can work wonders.

If your bite is a concern, we may suggest you visit an orthodontist for an evaluation, and if prescription medicine or neuromuscular illnesses are believed to be the cause, referral to the appropriate specialist would be part of your plan to break the habit.

In each of these cases, though, we’ll likely recommend a splint, or occlusal mouth guard to protect your teeth and bone from further damage. These protective devices are easy to wear, and contrary to what you may believe, will not impede your ability to get a good night’s sleep. In fact, they tend to enhance the quality of your sleep so you’ll wake up more refreshed.

So, the next time you’re sitting in one of our super-comfy chairs at The Dental Center at Easton, ask if some sort of guard may be right for you. Many people go years without being aware they’re clenching and grinding since it takes time for symptoms to show in your mouth. Getting a mouthguard or splint once you know you have this habit, though, will help you with headaches and muscle pain now – and tooth trouble down the road. And, we make some beautiful, comfortable mouthguards at The Dental Center at Easton!

What is TMD?

Jul 7th, 2016
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Maybe you’ve heard the term TMD before, but weren’t quite sure what it stood for. TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorder, a common disorder among many individuals that affects the joint connecting the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull.

When a person suffers from TMD, the hinge that connects the upper and lower jaw isn’t working properly and the area becomes inflamed. The inflammation causes a variety of uncomfortable symptoms that usually trigger the individual to seek medical attention.

Typical symptoms that point to TMD include:

  • Popping or clicking sound when moving your jaw
  • Jaw getting stuck or feeling as if it is stuck
  • Headaches that can mimic a migraine in severity
  • Earache and ear pain
  • Pain and/or pressure behind the eyes
  • Tenderness of jaw muscles
  • Neck stiffness resulting from tight muscles
  • A change in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together
  • Jaw pain that is caused by yawning or opening the mouth wide

If you have TMD, it is likely that you will experience one or more of these symptoms. While there is no test to diagnose TMD, symptoms such as those listed above are a good indication of the disorder. However, before you self-diagnose, it is best to seek advice from your medical or dental care provider.

Just as there is no test to diagnose TMD, there is also no cure for the disorder. But that doesn’t mean that sufferers won’t be able to find relief. There are ways to manage and reduce symptoms associated with TMD and to make your life more comfortable.

Treatment options for those who have Temporomandibular Disorder include:

  • Applying moist heat or ice to the jaw area in order to reduce pain and swelling
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medicine
  • Having your doctor prescribe muscle relaxants to control muscle spasms and prevent jaw locking
  • Wearing a night guard to reduce added pressure from clenching or grinding
  • Resting your jaw from chewing by eating a soft food diet for a few days
  • Eliminating sources of stress in your life and practicing relaxation techniques

Work with your doctor or dentist to find the right treatment options for you. A combination of treatments might be the best route to take. For individuals who do not respond to the treatments above, surgery is a last resort to help address and correct the problem.

If you’ve been suffering from jaw pain or any of the other symptoms listed above, contact Easton Dentists today and schedule a consultation with one of our caring and experienced dentists. We want to help you alleviate your discomfort and get back to living pain free. Schedule today!

9 Signs That You Are Grinding Your Teeth At Night And How To Stop

Dec 14th, 2015
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Is anxiety ruining your teeth? It could be. Here are 9 signs that you’re grinding your teeth at night, and how you can stop.

Grinding your teeth, officially referred to as “bruxism”, involves the involuntary gnashing, clenching, and grinding of the teeth. This can be a painful side effect of stress. Teeth grinding can contribute to serious dental issues such as broken teeth, sore teeth and jaw, strain or stress on the temporomandibular joint, wear on the teeth causing a need for fillings, pain or limited movement in the jaw, and cracked enamel.

Signs Of Teeth Grinding
Doctor’s suggest that those who suffer from nervousness, an undue amount of stress or frustration, anger issues, or aggressive behavior may be at risk to grind their teeth during sleep. Because bruxism happens during the night it is commonly considered a sleeping disorder. Common symptoms and signs that you are grinding your teeth at night include:

Jaw clenching throughout the day

Teeth sensitivity

Ringing in or fullness of the ears

Head and neck aches

Jaw or ear pain, especially when clenched

The sounds of tooth grinding during sleep

Tooth enamel that is unduly chipped or cracked

Loose teeth

Loss of cheek tissue due to sleep-related biting or grinding

How To Stop Grinding Your Teeth At Night
When it comes to repairing damaged teeth due to night-time grinding, visit your dentist to repair any tooth loss or to get a filling if needed. Ask your dentist about a mouth guard you can wear as you sleep to further protect your teeth. While there are several things your dentist can do to help repair your teeth, the rest will be up to you. It is recommended to contact your doctor or therapist to deal with stress and learn techniques for relaxation. These will help you to break the habit of stress-induced teeth grinding.

Don’t let anxiety take its toll on your mouth; conquer the bad habit of grinding your teeth at night. Call Easton Dentist today and schedule an appointment to talk about teeth grinding and how we can help.

Is TMJ to Blame for Your Headache?

Jan 31st, 2010
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, involves conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, jaw muscles, and nerves on one or both sides of the head, which can result in jaw, face, and head and neck pain. The pain may be severe, can be either intermittent or constant, and can last for many years, plus it can flare up during stressful times.

TMJ conditions include:

  • Myofacial Pain. This is the most common TMJ condition that involves discomfort and pain in the muscles that control jaw movement.
  • Internal Derangement. This TMJ disorder is associated with a displaced disc in the jaw joint, a dislocated jaw or a lower jaw injury.
  • Arthritis. This TMJ pain involves degenerative and inflammatory joint conditions.

More than 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ, and it has been predicted that as much as 85 percent of the U.S. population will experience some type of TMJ symptom in their lifetime. TMJ affects twice as many women as men, and is most prevalent among people between the ages of 20 and 40.

Certain causes of TMJ also may affect your bite, as well as the longevity of any smile makeover restorations you may want your dentist to provide. If your dentist identifies problems such as wear, tooth mobility, or muscle pain, your bite may need to be adjusted.

Ensuring a stable bite is essential to your oral health and the long-term durability and functionality of cosmetic restorations. Also, maintaining a stable occlusion and a proper bite helps ensure that your upper and lower teeth will come into contact in the most comfortable and pain-free manner possible, without unnecessary force that could lead to headaches or fractured restorations.