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TMJ & TMD
Finding the right care for TMJ and TMD is an important step when it comes to improving your daily comfort and quality of life. Effective treatment requires more than just addressing the symptoms—it involves a comprehensive understanding of your jaw health and a personalized approach to care. Whether your discomfort is mild or significantly impacts your routine, choosing a provider who offers compassionate, tailored solutions can make all the difference.
At Floss & Co., we believe in delivering more than just symptom relief. We take the time to understand your unique needs and provide advanced, patient-focused care designed to address the root causes of your TMJ or TMD. By combining innovative treatments with a welcoming environment, we’re dedicated to helping you regain comfort and restore normal function to your jaw, so you can enjoy a better quality of life.
Breaking Down the Different Causes of TMJ and TMD
Your jaw discomfort can stem from a plethora of different causes, including but not limited to the following:
Jaw Misalignment
Jaw misalignment, also known as malocclusion, is a leading cause of TMJ and TMD. When your teeth and jaw don’t fit together properly, it creates an imbalance in the way your bite functions. This misalignment can place excess strain on the temporomandibular joint and the surrounding muscles and ligaments, leading to pain and discomfort. Over time, this tension can manifest as frequent jaw clicking or popping, difficulty chewing, and even headaches or neck pain. If left unaddressed, these issues may worsen, causing chronic discomfort and further damage to the joint.
Correcting jaw misalignment is an effective way to reduce stress on the TMJ. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the misalignment but may include orthodontic solutions like braces or aligners to reposition teeth or restorative dental work to improve bite balance. By restoring alignment, these treatments not only help alleviate pain but also prevent further complications, improving your overall oral health and quality of life.
Stress and Teeth Grinding
Stress plays a significant role in the development of TMJ and TMD symptoms, often manifesting as bruxism, or teeth grinding. Many individuals grind their teeth during sleep or when under pressure, placing immense strain on the jaw joint. This grinding wears down tooth enamel and inflames the temporomandibular joint, contributing to muscle tension and jaw pain. For some, the problem becomes so severe that it leads to lockjaw or a limited range of motion in the joint.
Managing stress and its effects on your jaw health requires a multi-faceted approach. Stress-reducing techniques, such as mindfulness, exercise, or therapy, can help lower tension levels. Dental appliances like custom night guards are also highly effective in preventing teeth grinding during sleep. By protecting your teeth and alleviating pressure on the TMJ, these devices can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and improve your comfort.
Joint Injury or Arthritis
Injuries to the jaw, such as those caused by trauma, can directly disrupt the delicate balance of the temporomandibular joint. Damage to the joint’s cartilage or surrounding muscles often results in pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the jaw. Similarly, arthritis—whether osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis—can deteriorate the joint over time, leading to chronic discomfort and inflammation. These conditions may also reduce the joint’s range of motion, making it challenging to perform simple actions like chewing or speaking.
Timely intervention is essential to minimize the impact of joint injuries or arthritis on TMJ health. For injuries, treatments may include physical therapy, medications to reduce inflammation, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention. Arthritis-related TMD often requires a comprehensive approach, combining medical management of the condition with dental treatments to maintain joint function and relieve pain. By addressing the underlying cause, these strategies help restore comfort and improve jaw mobility.
Why Choose Floss & Co. For TMJ or TMD Treatment?
At Floss & Co., we take a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating TMJ and TMD. Our experienced team begins with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and jaw function. By understanding the specifics of your situation, we create a tailored treatment plan designed to address your unique needs and improve your quality of life.
Treatment at Floss & Co. focuses on relieving pain and restoring the natural function of your jaw. Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend a range of solutions, including custom-fitted night guards to protect against grinding, orthodontic treatments to correct misalignment, or therapeutic exercises to strengthen and stabilize the joint.
Our goal is not only to reduce your symptoms but also to prevent future complications, ensuring long-term comfort and health. With our supportive and compassionate care, we’re here to guide you every step of the way toward a more comfortable and pain-free life.
Take the First Step Toward Relief Today by Scheduling Your Appointment
At Floss & Co., we understand how challenging TMJ and TMD symptoms can be. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through effective treatment options tailored to your needs.
From addressing stress-related grinding to providing solutions for jaw misalignment, we are dedicated to helping you find relief. Call us at (773) 586-5522 or visit our contact form to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to bring comfort back into your daily life.
TMJ/TMD FAQ
What's the difference between TMJ and TMD?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) refers to the actual jaw joint connecting your jawbone to your skull, while TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) refers to the various conditions causing dysfunction and pain in this joint and surrounding muscles.
What are common symptoms of TMJ disorders?
Common TMJ disorder symptoms include jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty or pain while chewing, facial pain, headaches, earaches, and limited jaw movement or locking.
Can TMJ disorders resolve without treatment?
Mild TMJ disorders may resolve without treatment through self-care practices like stress reduction, gentle jaw exercises, and avoiding extreme jaw movements. However, persistent or severe symptoms require professional treatment.
What treatments are available for TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorder treatments range from conservative approaches (oral appliances, physical therapy, medications) to more invasive options (injections, arthrocentesis, surgery) depending on the cause and severity of your condition.
Can dental problems cause TMJ disorders?
Yes, dental issues like misaligned bite (malocclusion), missing teeth, or bruxism (teeth grinding) can contribute to TMJ disorders by creating imbalance in jaw function and placing excess stress on the temporomandibular joint.
