TMJ disorder treatment helps jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms in Wichita, KS

Symptoms and causes of TMJ disorder

• Headaches that don’t have another identifiable cause
• Clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth
• Jaw pain when you wake up in the morning or when you chew or bite down
• Jaw stiffness or inability to easily open or close your mouth
• Signs of wear on your teeth that don’t have an obvious source such as gum disease or decay
• Neck, ear, or shoulder pain

Treatment for TMJ disorder

• Oral appliance: Many times, a special mouth guard that is custom-designed for your mouth can eliminate your TMJ issues. The appliance works by properly aligning your jaw and relieving the pressure that is placed on the temporomandibular joints. It is typically worn at night, but in some cases, it may need to be worn during the day. The appliance can reduce your headaches, protect your teeth from being damaged, and eliminate the stress on your joints for overall improved quality of life.
• Lifestyle changes: Simple lifestyle changes can also have a dramatic impact on your TMJ disorder. These include using ice packs to reduce inflammation, refraining from eating hard foods to allow your joints to heal, performing specific jaw exercises to stretch your jaw, and not chewing gum.
• Reduce stress: Stress management can also be an important part of your treatment plan. When you are stressed, you are more likely to clench your jaw and grind your teeth, so the dentist can discuss strategies to help manage your stress.
• Other treatments: Several other treatment options for TMJ disorder are also available, such as medications, injections, laser therapy, and in some cases, surgery.