When your jaw aches, clicks, or locks up, your first instinct might be to assume the pain will go away on its own. But this is rarely the case—and what might surprise you more is that of all the people who can help with this issue, your dentist is often the most qualified! Your TMJ, which are the jaw joints that connect your lower jaw to the rest of your skull, sit right at the intersection of your teeth, bite, and jaw muscles, meaning dentists are uniquely capable of identifying TMJ disorder and actually fixing it. Here’s how they can help.
What Exactly Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder (also called TMD) is a condition that affects one or both of the jaw joints and the surrounding muscles. Symptoms can include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth, headaches, earaches, facial soreness, mouth immobility, and difficulty chewing. However, because these symptoms can overlap with so many other conditions, TMD is frequently misattributed to tension headaches, sinus problems, or even ear infections.
Why Are Dentists Uniquely Qualified to Treat TMD?
Simply put, dentistry goes far deeper than teeth, and dentists receive extensive training in the anatomy and function of the entire oral and maxillofacial system, including the jaw joints, bite, and the muscles that control movement. This gives them a perspective that most other providers do not have access to!
One of the other key reasons dentists are so effective at treating TMJ pain is that they can evaluate your bite, which is the way your upper and lower teeth come together. A misaligned bite is one of the most common underlying causes of TMD, and it’s something only a dental professional is trained to assess and correct.
Dentists can also identify signs of bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), which places enormous stress on the TMJ and is a major contributor to chronic jaw pain. This includes worn tooth surfaces, cracked enamel, and other similar signs.
How Is TMD Usually Treated?
Dentists have many ways to help with TMJ disorder, and most treatments are very conservative and surprisingly comfortable. One common option is an occlusal splint. This is a special type of custom-fitted oral appliance that is worn over the teeth to reposition the jaw, reduce muscle tension, and protect the teeth from grinding.
Occlusal adjustments can also be used, which involve carefully reshaping certain tooth surfaces to redistribute that pressure more evenly. Dentists can also recommend jaw exercises, dietary adjustments, stress reduction strategies, and posture habits that support long-term relief.
If you’ve been living with jaw pain, clicking, or chronic headaches, don’t overlook your dentist as a primary resource; they may be exactly the right provider to help!
About the Practice
Our team here at Indigo Dental of Daytona Beach has served the needs of patients and families all around Daytona Beach for several years under the skillful leadership of Dr. Laura Anderson and Dr. David R. Lloyd. We understand how much jaw pain can interfere with everyday life, and we’re here to help you find real, lasting relief. We offer a wide range of TMJ treatment solutions, from occlusal adjustments to custom-made nightguards and beyond. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, you can call or reach out online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (386) 253-3629.