Man with jaw pain needing tmj treatment

TMJ Treatment

Relieving Jaw Pain in Charlotte, NC

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, roughly 11-12 million Americans suffer from TMD, also known as temporomandibular disorders. Temporomandibular disorders are a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jawbone to the skull. Patients with these disorders may experience frequent headaches, tenderness in the jaw, chronic facial and neck pain and more. These patients may require TMJ treatment to find relief. While these disorders are a minor annoyance for some, they are debilitating for others—making chewing and talking difficult. Our team at Stewart Dental Group is here to help you get relief with TMJ treatment!

Causes Of TMD

TMD can affect everyone—however, women are more likely than men to develop one of these conditions. Other potential causes include:

  • Injury or trauma to the head and/or neck

  • Anxiety, stress and clenching of the jaw (bruxism)

  • Arthritis damage to the cartilage surrounding the TMJ

  • Genetics

Symptoms Of TMD

While some patients with these disorders experience only mild symptoms, others may experience chronic or significant discomfort. One of the most common symptoms is chronic pain in the jaw and limited mobility. Patients may notice this change in jaw function when eating, talking, drinking or yawning. Other symptoms of TMD include:

  • Popping and clicking sounds when moving the jaw

  • Headaches

  • Pain in the face and neck

  • Locking of the jaw

  • Pain when chewing or speaking

  • Ringing in the ears

  • Change in jaw position or how the upper and lower teeth fit together

  • Jaw muscle spasms

Prevention Of TMD

While there is not always a foolproof way to prevent TMD, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include:

  • Avoid clenching your jaw

  • Avoid grinding your teeth

  • Practice good posture

  • Chew food evenly on both sides of the mouth

  • Relax your jaw

  • Avoid chewing gum

  • Do not bite down on non-food objects, such as your nails

Many people unconsciously clench their jaw during the day and during sleep if they are experiencing stress or anxiety. Try to be mindful of your jaw position—if you feel yourself clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, relax the jaw, and hold your lips together with your teeth apart. TMJ treatment may be another option if this does not help.

TMJ Treatment

If you are experiencing any symptoms of TMD, request an appointment with Stewart Dental Group. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of your condition, our team can conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, jaw and joints and determine whether a TMJ disorder is present. If our team determines that you have a TMJ disorder, we will provide recommendations to alleviate your symptoms, as well as a customized TMJ treatment plan to fit your unique needs.

Most patients can alleviate their symptoms by applying ice and heat to the affected areas, eating soft foods, being mindful of the tension in their jaw and performing physical therapy exercises. If these measures do not work, patients may require medication or oral appliances as a TMJ treatment.

Don’t wait to get relief—call us at (704) 376-2404 or request an appointment online to get started.

Tmj treatment

TMJ Treatment FAQs

Oral appliances are custom-made mouthpieces that help alleviate TMJ-related symptoms by repositioning the jaw or preventing teeth grinding.

Lifestyle modifications such as stress reduction techniques, maintaining a soft food diet and avoiding extreme jaw movements can help patients find relief from symptoms.

Patients with TMJ disorder may find it helpful to avoid hard, chewy or crunchy foods that can worsen jaw pain. Maintaining a diet of soft foods can help alleviate the pain associated with the disorder. 

 Dr. Melissa Stewart may recommend gentle jaw exercises to improve strength and flexibility. To avoid injury, follow Dr. Stewart’s instructions as closely and carefully as possible. If you experience worsening pain, request an appointment with us.

Yes, stress can contribute to TMJ disorder symptoms by causing jaw tension and teeth clenching. Stress management techniques such as meditation, therapy, journaling, exercising and limiting caffeine and alcohol can be beneficial.