Your jaw is designed by nature to help you chew, speak, laugh, and smile – not to be a source of pain. Most individuals who wake up from their sleep with aches or tenderness in their jaws are experiencing a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, or TMJ for short. As part of a wider disorder known as Temporomandibular Disorders (or TMD for short), these often-debilitating aches can take the happiness out of anyone’s smile.
We Can Take the Ouch Out of Your Smile
If you’ve been looking for a dentist near you in Knoxville, TN, to diagnose the aches in your jaw, you’ll be happy to learn that TLC Dental Care has helped countless patients just like you find relief from not only the discomfort they are experiencing in their jaws but the limitations in movement that often accompany the pain.
The TMJ Association reports that some jaw problems will resolve themselves after a short period. Still, if you continue to experience TMJ pain or dysfunction, patients should seek treatment from a dental professional.
If you believe that your discomfort has gone on long enough and you’d like to find relief with a treatment plan that’s been designed just for you, make an appointment today at TLC Dental Care. We can provide an oral appliance to help with TMJ problems.
Some Things You Can Try at Home
Some patients report that they’ve obtained temporary relief by using moist heat or ice applied to the areas of pain. When using these methods, make sure to wrap them carefully to avoid burning your skin from either the heat or the cold.
Also recommended is the use of over-the-counter pain medications or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If the pain is severe, your dentist in Knoxville, TN, may prescribe muscle relaxants as a parallel treatment of your symptoms.
Because the symptoms of TMJ/TMD are often a result of stress, you might also try some relaxation techniques such as meditation, guided breathing, and yoga. Be patient with these stress busters because they will take a few weeks before you start to notice the benefits.
Tired of The Pain in Your Jaw? Make an Appointment Today
Relief is one appointment away when you contact TLC Dental Care for TMJ/TMD treatment in Knoxville, TN. If you believe it’s time for an actual diagnosis and treatment plan for your jaw pain, our dental care team can provide both!
How TMJ and Sleep Apnea Are Connected
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) and sleep apnea are often linked because issues with jaw alignment can affect your airway. When the jaw is misaligned, it can lead to obstructed breathing during sleep, contributing to sleep apnea.
Many patients with TMJ also grind their teeth at night, which can further compromise their airway. Treating TMJ might not only relieve jaw pain but also improve your sleep quality by reducing airway blockages and addressing underlying causes of sleep apnea.
If you want to learn about the signs of sleep apnea, check out our blog! We also cover topics like the different types of sleep apnea treatments, how to stop snoring, adult sleep apnea, pediatric sleep apnea and much more!