TMJ Awareness Month: Do You Know the Signs of TMJ?
Do you have jaw pain? At Thousand Oaks Dental, we offer all the dental services your family needs under one roof. We also provide essential services that are difficult to find at other dental offices, including TMJ treatment. We understand that jaw pain can interfere with your entire day, and we want to help you get out of pain quickly. We offer mouthguards, physical therapy, and heat and ice therapy to help you get relief.
Call us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Precious Thompson!
November is TMJ Awareness Month
November is TMJ Awareness Month, and we want to make sure our patients are informed about the signs and symptoms of TMJ. TMJ is a disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. When this joint is not functioning correctly, it can lead to various problems, including pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing.
What are the Signs of TMJ?
There are a few different signs that you may be suffering from TMJ. If you experience any of the following, we recommend scheduling an appointment with us so we can take a look:
– Pain in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders
– Headaches
– Difficulty chewing or pain when chewing
– Clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth
– Locked jaw
What Causes TMJ?
There are a few different factors that can contribute to TMJ. Some of the most common include:
– Arthritis in the joint
– Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
– Jaw injury
– Stress
How is TMJ treated?
The good news is that many different treatment options are available for TMJ. After examining you and assessing your symptoms, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include any of the following:
– Medication to relieve pain and inflammation
If you are suffering from TMJ, you may seek relief from the pain and inflammation. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for TMJ, medication can be an effective treatment option. Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help to reduce swelling and ease the pain. If over-the-counter medications are insufficient, Dr. Thompson may prescribe a stronger pain reliever. In addition, corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation.
– Mouthguard to protect the teeth from grinding
Do you wake up with a sore jaw or teeth? You may be surprised to learn that you are not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from bruxism, or tooth grinding, which is also a common cause of TMJ. Bruxism can occur during the day or at night, and it can cause a great deal of discomfort. Fortunately, there is a simple solution: a custom mouthguard. A mouth guard helps to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding and can also help to alleviate some of the pain and stiffness associated with TMJ. If you think you may be suffering from bruxism or TMJ, talk to our team about getting a custom mouthguard. It may be the first step on the road to feeling better.
– Physical therapy
At Thousand Oaks Dental, we also offer physical therapy services to help you find relief from TMJ. Our trained team members can help you strengthen the muscles in your face and neck, which can help to relieve pain and improve jaw function. In addition, physical therapy can help you learn how to practice good posture and proper jaw alignment, both of which can help reduce TMJ symptoms.
– Heat and ice therapy
Applying a cold compress to the area for 15 minutes at a time can help to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort. Alternating between hot and cold compresses can also be beneficial. Heat and ice therapy can also be used to help reduce inflammation and pain associated with TMJ.
TMJ Treatment for Relief in San Antonio, Texas
Our goal is to provide you with the best possible care so that you can get back to your life pain-free. If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of TMJ, please schedule an appointment with us so we can take a look. We offer various services to meet your needs, and we will work with you to find the best treatment plan for your situation.
I, Dr. Thompson, am proud to live and work in the great city of San Antonio. It’s an honor and joy to serve in a community filled with people who make our culture rich and friendly. I love opportunities to do community outreach to help enrich the place where we live. How can I not want to give back to such a great city that signifies the “Come And Take It” attitude of our history at the Alamo? 
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