TMJ (Jaw Joint Treatment)
FAMILY DENTAL HEALTH, Dr. Ligaya Aquino-Paguyo Dental Office
)-TMJ or Temporomandibular joint is the hinge joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone-one in front of the ear on both side of the head. TMJ is flexible, enable us to move up and down smoothly, forward, side to side, smile, yawn, and chew. Injury, oral habits like grinding the teeth during sleep, clenching, would create a lot of pressure on the TMJ. Dislocation of the soft disc between the socket and ball, presence of arthritis, or even stress can contribute to Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).
If you have symptoms like toothaches, headaches, neck pain, dizziness, earaches, or hearing problems; if you have pain or tenderness in your face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders or clicking around your ear; if you have limited opening of the mouth, tired feeling in the face, difficulty chewing like you teeth are not in the right biting position; or if you have swelling on your side of the face, and your jaws got stuck or lock- consult your dentist. You might have TMD. Possible treatments include heat or cold packs, soft foods, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, arthroscopy, arthrocentesis or open-joint surgery which are done by specialist.
Night guard-Night guard is a plastic mouthpiece that fit over the upper and lower teeth preventing the teeth from grinding during sleep. It corrects the bite by positioning the teeth in least traumatic position.
Sports guard-protects the teeth while playing sports. This is custom made that provide protection from teeth or facial injuries. The sports guard should be changed as the user’s mouth grows.
Snore guards-the muscles and soft tissues in the throat and mouth relax during sleep thus making the airway smaller producing vibration when breathing “noisy breathing or snoring.” The snore guards help prevent snoring. Snore guards during sleep reposition the jaw helping prevent snoring.
FAMILY DENTAL HEALTH, Dr. Ligaya Aquino-Paguyo Dental Office