TMJ and Bruxism Treatment in Tuscaloosa, AL
Neck and shoulder pain, frequent headaches, tenderness when biting or chewing, or facial swelling are just a few of the symptoms you might experience if you’re suffering from a jaw joint (TMJ) disorder known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
For some people, these symptoms can become very debilitating and significantly impact their quality of life. But the good news is that there are solutions, and your team at Vandervoort Family Dentistry can help.
What Is the TMJ?
Your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the most complex joint in your body. It’s responsible for opening and closing your mouth and moving your jaw from side to side. These movements allow you to eat, chew, yawn, talk, laugh, and enjoy life. If this joint is not functioning correctly, it can cause a host of problems, including a lot of discomfort and TMD.
What Causes TMD?
Several different factors can cause problems with your TMJ. Getting to the root cause of your discomfort is how our dentists determine the best treatment for your TMD.
Some causes of your jaw pain could include:
- Stress: If you clench and grind your teeth (bruxism) due to stress, it may cause joint muscle pain and wear and tear to your teeth.
- Trauma: If you have an accident or experience trauma to your jaw, it could cause problems or pain in your TMJ.
- Bite misalignment: If your bite is not correctly aligned, your jaw joint may be compensating, resulting in discomfort.
- Arthritis: Your TMJ is one of the joints that could be impacted by arthritis.
- Genetics: Your natural bone structure could be prone to problems with your jaw joint.
Our dentists work to pinpoint the cause of your TMD and jaw discomfort so they can make the best recommendations for your needs.
