TMJ also known as your temporomandibular joints, are what connects your lower and upper jaw together. When those joints are healthy, you can open and close your mouth comfortably when you talk and chew. However, if you are experiencing a recent episode of TMD, or suffer from chronic temporomandibular disorder, you may need to rethink your therapy.

There are Non-Invasive Solutions for TMD

If mediation, relaxation or other less invasive solutions for temporomandibular joint disorder haven’t worked for you, you may not have to resort to surgery to take care of the issue.

According to Dr. Jack Ringer from Dental Cosmetics in Anaheim Hills, temporomandibular joint disorder patients can find relief with a custom made nightguard. Specially made to fit your mouth a custom made nightguard helps stabilize your jaw joints preventing you from grinding or clenching your teeth.

With a custom-made nightguard from Dr. Ringer, you could see amazing results helping your TMJ relax and work, as it should. However, it is important that you schedule an appointment for nightguard therapy, as there are dozens of mouthguards available. Dr. Ringer will want to make sure that you are fitted with the best custom-made mouthguard for your needs.

Other types of non-invasive treatments for TMD include various types of dental restoration and cosmetic dental work. Dr. Ringer is former president and an Accredited Fellow with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and can help you with a solution that will let live your life the way you used to. With a nightguard or dental work, you can live life comfortably not having to worry about pain when you open and close your mouth or when you enjoy a meal.

Most people who have TMD will suffer from periodic or mild symptoms. These symptoms may or may not improve in a few weeks with at home therapy. Eating soft foods, applying moist heat and ice, and avoiding gum, loud singing, wide yawning and extreme mouth, and jaw movements can help ease the symptoms of TMD.

More studies need to be done to determine how safe and effective less invasive treatments for muscle disorders and jaw joints actually are. Dr. Ringer strongly recommends a more conservative approach that is reversible. Conservative treatments for TMD do not involve surgery or cause permanent changes in the position or structure of the joint. Even persistent TMD cases do not require aggressive forms of treatment.

According to Dr. Ringer, the most common treatment for TMD is a nightguard. Also referred to as a splint, it can help your TMJ relax while you sleep. Below are a few more invasive and non-invasive treatments that may help with your TMD.

• Meditation
• Acupuncture
• Bite Adjustment
• Pain Medication
• Alternative Medicine
• Essential Oils
• Surgery
• Injections
• TMJ Implants
• Nightguards
• Splints

How Do I Know if I am Suffering from TMD?

You may have TMD if you:

• Experience tenderness or jaw pain
• Have pain in one or more joints
• Experience aching around or in your ear
• Have pain or difficulty when you chew
• Experience facial or neck pain

If your jaw locks when you close and open your mouth or if you hear a clicking sound or grating sensations when you chew or open and close your mouth, you could be suffering from TMD. You may also experience pain in the joint that controls the muscles in your jaw.

What Causes Temporomandibular Disorder?

Your TMJ is a hinge with sliding actions and motions. A small disk that absorbs shock and keeps your jaw action smooth covers the bones that interact with the TMJ. If there is a problem with your TMJ, it will not function properly.

A TMD Can Occur if:

• Disk erosion occurs
• The joint cartilage has arthritis damage
• The joint has suffered a blow or impact

In most cases, the direct cause of temporomandibular isn’t quite clear.

Am I at Risk?

You Could be at Risk for a TMD if you:

• Have a family member who suffers with TMD
• Suffer from arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Have had a jaw injury
• Suffer from certain types of connective tissue disorders that could affect the TMJ
• Suffer from bruxism or teeth grinding

If you notice any of the above symptoms or just feel that something isn’t quite right with your TMJ call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. Ringer for a consultation. Dr. Ringer will be able to determine the best road to therapy whether it be a custom made nightguard for your TMD or a dental restoration plan.

Stop ignoring the pain and call or click for an appointment with Dr. Ringer. You will be so happy with the results and so will your mouth.