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TMJ Relief: End the Suffering

Jaw Pain TreatmentDo you experience aggravating TMJ pain on a regular basis? Do you find it hard to get relief from your TMJ pain? Then you’ve come to the right place! We have some great information and helpful tips that can bring an end to your suffering and offer TMJ relief.

Causes of TMJ

One of the main causes of jaw pain is bruxism, or teeth grinding. Five to twenty percent of Americans suffer from bruxism, but only about 80 % of sufferers are aware of their issue. Another common cause of jaw pain is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ, which can be caused by excessive teeth grinding and is the number one cause of jaw pain.

Symptoms of Bruxism and TMJ

The main symptoms of Bruxism include:

  • Wearing down of teeth
  • Scalloping of the tongue
  • Headaches
  • Earaches
  • Jaw Pain

The common symptoms of TMJ include:

  • Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw, neck and shoulders, or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
  • Limited ability to open mouth
  • “Stuck” or “locked” feeling in jaw
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in jaw when opening or closing the mouth
  • Tired feeling in face
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Facial swelling

Tooth Grinding & TMJ Relief

If you experience the painful symptoms of bruxism and/or TMJ, we can help! Jaw pain treatment options are available to help end your suffering. To treat bruxism:

  • Apply ice or wet heat to the jaw
  • Avoid hard foods such as nuts, candies, and steak
  • Drink plenty of water and get enough of sleep
  • Learn physical therapy stretches for the jaw
  • Massage the muscles in the back of the neck, shoulders, and face
  • Relax face muscles throughout the day
  • Reduce daily stress

TMJ and teeth grinding often go hand in hand; therefore many of the treatment options are the same for both disorders. However, TMJ can be much more severe than bruxism, and so has additional treatment options, including:

  • Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprophen
  • Low-level laser therapy
  • Wearing a splint or night mouth guard
  • Avoiding extreme  jaw movements
  • Avoiding resting your chin in your hands or holding the telephone between your shoulders and ear
  • Keeping your teeth slightly apart

Your dentist can help you treat your bruxism or TMJ by fitting you for a mouth guard or splint. Your family doctor can assist you by referring you to a knowledgeable physical or massage therapist who can teach you exercises and massage techniques you can use at home.

Keep in mind that both brusixm and TMJ can be signs of a more serious disease known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which occurs when the softening of the tongue and jaw causes airway blockages and pauses in breathing during sleep. OSA can lead to poor sleep, daytime fatigue, memory and cognitive problems, and might even contribute to the development of serious conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. If you are showing signs of brusixm or TMJ, it is very important that you make an appointment to see your dentist or family doctor as soon as possible.

TMJ Relief in Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Have a question for Dr. Kenneth J. Wolnik in Parma Heights about TMJ relief or about your oral health in general? Please contact Dr. Kennth J. Wolnik online or at:

Address
6363 York Rd, Ste 202
Parma Heights, OH 44130

Phone
(440) 888-5055

Email
[email protected]

Office Hours
Monday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Friday: 7:30am – 1:00pm

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