TMJ disorder is a term generally associated with discomfort, inflammation, chronic tension, or other dysfunctions with the temporomandibular joints, which hinge the jaw to the skull. This condition is often be attributed to a variety of factors, and those who have TMJ disorder can experience a wide range of symptoms.

Common symptoms of TMJ disorder often include a dull ache around the temples and jaw muscles. This pain might also occur in conjunction with discomfort when clenching your jaw muscles, or with an uncomfortable clicking in one of the joints.

If you experience any symptoms of a TMJ disorder, it’s best to have your TMJ disorder professionally diagnosed by an orthodontist like Dr. Deji Fashemo. After a comprehensive assessment of the problem, he can help you understand your possible treatment options.

Some of the most common TMJ disorder treatments include dietary changes, facial stretches, and applying hot and cold packs to the jaw muscles. In some cases, taking a standard dosage of an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication might also help.

It’s also worth noting that TMJ disorder symptoms can sometimes be worsened by chronic night grinding. If Dr. Deji Fashemo suspects that this is a factor, he might recommend that you wear a dental guard when you sleep at night.

A night guard is a custom-made, plastic mouthpiece that you install in your mouth before going to bed each night. It is designed to cushion the biting surfaces of your teeth by allowing a small piece of plastic to sit in between the two dental arches. By preventing your upper and lower jaws from touching, this can help protect your teeth and reduce some of the muscular tension in the temporomandibular joints.

If you live in the Allen or Dallas, Texas, area and if you have been experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, you should call 972.947.2200 for our Allen location or 972.947.2000 for our Dallas location to seek further diagnosis from our orthodontist at Fourth Dimension Orthodontics & Craniofacial Orthopedics.