About 12% of people suffer from TMJ/TMD, making it one of the most common jaw disorders in the United States.
For example, chewing a large amount of gum for a long time or consistently eating really tough or hard-to-chew foods can put a lot of stress on the joint, resulting in TMJ/TMD.
Consistent, severe, and prolonged teeth grinding is a common contributing factor to TMJ/TMD. Constantly clenching and grinding stresses the temporomandibular joint, and can cause jaw pain.
Being struck in the face can cause TMJ/TMD if the joint is damaged and becomes inflamed. This is particularly common in people who play contact sports.
Some types of arthritis and other autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation of the jaw joints, which may contribute to or cause TMJ/TMD.
A night guard, also known as an “occlusal guard,” can be very useful in treating TMJ/TMD. Also called an “occlusal splint,” nightguards for TMJ are designed to cushion your teeth and protect them from grinding, and also to move your jaw into a healthier position as you sleep, allowing it to heal.
This treatment is particularly effective for patients who grind their teeth. An occlusal splint treats both bruxism and TMJ/TMD at once. Along with lifestyle changes like eating soft foods and physical therapy, this is a great way to treat mild to moderate cases of TMJ/TMD.
Botox is becoming more common for TMJ/TMD treatment. This is because Botox has the unique ability to paralyze the facial muscles. This is how it smooths out the skin when it’s used for cosmetic purposes. Botox paralyzes some facial muscles and causes them to relax, which eliminates wrinkles.
The same thing happens when Botox is injected into jaw muscles. It partially paralyzes them, and can provide you with relief from the pain of TMJ/TMD, particularly if you grind your teeth. Botox has been shown to help improve oral range of motion and reduce pain, and it may be a good option for you at your dentist in Albuquerque, NM.
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