TMJ Therapy
Our jaw joint is also called the Temporomandibular joint and sits right below our temples in front of our ears. You can feel the joint is you place a finger in front of your ears and try to open and close your mouth.
Individuals that grind their teeth at night may have sore jaw joints in the morning. People who clench their teeth all day may have constant soreness in this joint. In addition, people with crowding or spacing of teeth may also develop jaw problems.
A physiotherapist(PT) may be the first line of defense in treating jaw pain. We will provide you with a relevant referral once a diagnosis is made. The PT may advise jaw exercises, cold and hot packs, Advil to reduce inflammation and muscle relaxants to help with the pain. Some physiotherapists use acupuncture, massage, and other interventions to relieve the pain.
If physiotherapy doesn’t help, a night guard may be recommended. Nightguard is an appliance which helps prevent damage to the teeth and to the jaw joint in people that grind their teeth at night. Typical symptoms of night-grinders are heavily worn down teeth and jaw pain in the morning.
If you have been prescribed a nightguard, an estimate will be sent to the insurance. During the first appointment, a mold of your upper/lower teeth and your bite will be taken and sent to the lab. Your nightguard should be ready to be picked up in a week. Following are some instructions to follow to care for your nightguard:
* Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth before wearing the appliance.
* Soften the appliance in hot tap water before placing in your mouth.
* Use your finger to place the appliance over your teeth.
* DO NOT eat or drink while the appliance is in place.
* In the morning, use your toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the appliance after removing it.
* The appliance may also be cleaned by soaking it in retainer cleaners such as Polident no more than once a month.
* Bring the appliance to all appointments (adjustments may be necessary).If that doesnt work, then a referral to an oral surgeon will be required.
Visit your dentist at East River Dental Care if you are suffering from jaw pain and we will take care of you.
Call us today at 905 895 8031!