For many Americans, jaw joint strain can make eating and speaking difficult. Over ten million people in the United States currently exhibit the symptoms of TMJ disorder. Your Astoria NY dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, can diagnose the cause and severity of your TMJ symptoms, offering comfortable and minimally invasive treatment.
Causes and Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder occurs when the temporomandibular joints become strained. Jaw joint stress often develops as a result of pressures from malocclusion (bite misalignment) or bruxism (teeth grinding). Trauma to the face or jaw may also place inordinate strain on the jaw joints, leading to the onset of TMJ. Patients with TMJ disorder experience a wide range of similar symptoms, including:
- Popping or cracking in the jaw
- Headaches and facial pain
- Earaches and tinnitus
- Jaw pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
If grinding or clenching your teeth causes your TMJ dysfunction, then you may also notice tooth sensitivity or chronic toothaches. Without treatment, TMJ disorder may cause difficulty opening the mouth, hindering the ability to eat, speak, or even yawn.
Treating Jaw Joint Strain
First, your Astoria NY dentist will perform a thorough examination of your jaw. After diagnosing the factors behind your jaw joint strain, Dr. Leibowitz will prescribe a treatment plan. Some patients may require muscle exercises or the application of warm compresses to relieve muscle tension. Avoiding hard or chewy foods may also help ease joint strain. The repetitive actions necessary to eat hard or chewy foods can often exacerbate the symptoms. In addition, your Astoria NY dentist may recommend a customized oral splint. The device is similar to a night guard and will be worn during sleep. The oral appliance helps reposition the jaw to reduce malocclusion. An oral splint also ends teeth grinding episodes by preventing the upper and lower teeth from touching. For more information on oral splints and tips for relieving TMJ discomfort, talk to Dr. Leibowitz today.
About Dr. Leibowitz:
Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, a native New Yorker, has served patients and families from Astoria, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment at our Astoria dentist’s office, contact us at (718) 728-8320 today.
