Understanding TMJ Disorders and Treatment Options in Port Saint Lucie, FL

Chicago, Illinois, July 5, 2024 – When you spend time on Florida’s sunny east coast, your smile is likely to be out in full force. With great weather, access to nature, and an esteemed location as the largest city between Orlando and Miami, it’s no wonder Port St. Lucie was named on Money’s Best Places to Live list in 2024. But if you’re experiencing jaw pain, you might not be able to fully enjoy all the town has to offer. Since your jaw is responsible for critical movements like speaking and chewing, it’s essential to let a dentist in Port St. Lucie examine it right away to see if it’s a temporary pain or a more serious TMJ disorder.

What is a TMJ disorder?

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. When this joint isn’t working properly on either side of your mouth, it may result from a TMJ disorder. Symptoms of a TMJ disorder can include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw or around the joint
• Difficulty or pain with chewing
• Aching facial pain
• Locking of the joint in an open or closed position
• Popping or clicking when opening or closing the jaw
• Earaches or ear ringing (tinnitus)
• Chronic headaches or migraines (which can sometimes be mistaken for root canal pain)

What causes TMJ issues?

An issue with the TMJ may be the result of any of the following:

• Acute injury to the jaw
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Stress that causes jaw clenching or muscle tension
• Misalignment of the jaw or teeth
• Arthritis

Your dentist will need to perform an exam to assess the root cause of a suspected TMJ disorder.

How do you treat a TMJ disorder?

Treatment depends on the root cause, though common remedies for TMJ disorders include:

• Lifestyle or dietary modifications: Lifestyle modifications may include developing better sleep habits, improving posture, and reducing stress. If your diet of crunchy foods may be to blame, your dentist may recommend switching to a diet of softer foods that are easier to chew.
• Physical therapy: Your dentist may assign a specific set of exercises to perform regularly that will help improve your jaw flexibility and muscle strength.
• Medications to alleviate pain and inflammation: Over-the-counter medications can temporarily relieve and decrease pain and inflammation.
• Splints or night guards: Especially if your TMJ disorder is caused by teeth clenching or grinding, wearing a night guard can be the first step to treating the problem while you sleep.
• Surgery: A surgical intervention is often a last resort for TMJ treatment but may be the only option for the most severe cases.

The bottom line

A TMJ disorder, no matter its severity, can be an inconvenience. But it’s going to require a trip to your local dentist to assess the severity, diagnose the cause, and offer a treatment plan for your unique situation. With your treatment plan in mind, you’ll be back to enjoying all Port St. Lucie has to offer.

Contact Information:
Name: Sonakshi Murze
Email: [email protected]
Job Title: Manager