TMJ and Jaw Pain Treatment in Lake Mary

Do you wake up with a sore jaw, a headache or teeth that feel tender? Does your jaw click, feel tight or get tired when you chew? These can be signs that your temporomandibular joints, the joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, are under stress. Often, the cause is clenching or grinding your teeth, a condition called bruxism. At Dentist of Lake Mary, we can check for signs of grinding and jaw strain and help protect your teeth with a custom-fit night guard.

What Is the TMJ?

You have two temporomandibular joints (TMJ), one in front of each ear. They work like hinges, letting you open and close your mouth, chew, talk and yawn. When the muscles and joints around the jaw are overworked or irritated, the result is often called a TMJ problem or TMJ disorder.

Common Symptoms

TMJ trouble can show up in different ways. Some of the most common signs include:

  • Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
  • Headaches, often around the temples
  • Teeth, jaw or gums that feel sore when you wake up
  • A jaw that feels tight, tired or stiff
  • Clicking, popping or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth
  • Worn, flattened or chipped teeth, or damaged enamel
  • A sleep partner who hears you grinding at night

Having one of these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have a TMJ disorder, but it is worth mentioning at your next visit.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching

One of the most common contributors to jaw pain is bruxism, the clenching and grinding of teeth. Some people do it during the day without realizing it, but grinding while you sleep is usually the bigger problem, because you can’t control it.

Over time, grinding can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause jaw pain and headaches, and irritate your gums. It puts extra stress on the jaw joints and the muscles around them. The noise can even disturb your partner’s sleep.

During your exam, we look for signs of grinding, such as worn surfaces, tiny cracks and chipped edges. If you notice any of the symptoms above, let us know so we can take a closer look.

Custom Night Guards

A night guard is an easy, noninvasive way to protect your teeth from grinding. It is similar to a mouth guard worn by athletes and serves as a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. By cushioning the bite, a night guard helps reduce the stress on your jaw joint and helps prevent additional damage to your teeth.

At our office, night guards are custom made for comfort and proper breathing. We take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental lab, where your guard is made to fit your mouth precisely. Custom night guards are durable and can be used for years. Learn more on our night guard page and in our blog post about mouth guards for sports and sleep apnea.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Guards

You can buy stock and boil-and-bite mouth guards at most pharmacies and sporting goods stores. They cost less, but stock guards can’t be adjusted, and they tend to be bulky, making it harder to breathe and talk. Boil-and-bite guards fit a little better, but they’re still not as comfortable or precise as a guard made from a mold of your own teeth. For nightly wear, a custom guard is usually the most comfortable and protective option.

Everyday Habits That Can Help

Along with a night guard, small changes in your daily routine can ease the strain on your jaw:

  • Relax your jaw. Try to keep your jaw loose and easy rather than clenched. Your teeth shouldn’t touch except when you chew or swallow.
  • Skip the gum. Avoid chewing gum, and don’t chew on pens, pencils or other objects.
  • Cut back on caffeine and alcohol. Both can increase the likelihood of grinding.
  • Notice daytime clenching. Many people clench when they are concentrating or stressed. Simply noticing it is the first step toward stopping.

Protecting Your Teeth from Damage

If grinding has already worn or chipped your teeth, there are ways to repair them. Depending on the damage, options may include dental bonding, fillings or dental crowns. A night guard helps protect those repairs, along with your natural teeth, so they last.

When to See Us

Make an appointment if you have ongoing jaw pain, frequent morning headaches, teeth that are wearing down or chipping, or if someone has told you that you grind your teeth at night. If your symptoms are severe or don’t improve, we’ll talk with you about next steps, including seeing another health care provider when that’s the right move for you.

If you’re due for a checkup anyway, mention your symptoms at your next cleaning and exam. New patients can start with our $99 new patient exam and X-rays. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans, and we also offer payment plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common signs of a TMJ problem?

Common signs include jaw pain or soreness, morning headaches, a tight or tired jaw, clicking or popping when you open your mouth, and worn or chipped teeth. Many people with these symptoms also clench or grind their teeth.

Can a night guard help with jaw pain?

A night guard serves as a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. It helps protect your teeth from grinding and can reduce the stress on your jaw joint, which may help ease jaw pain caused by grinding.

Is a custom night guard better than a store-bought one?

Store-bought stock and boil-and-bite guards cost less but don’t fit as precisely, and stock guards can make it harder to breathe and talk. Our night guards are custom made from an impression of your teeth for comfort and proper breathing, and they are durable enough to use for years.

What can I do at home to stop grinding my teeth?

Try to keep your jaw relaxed rather than clenched, avoid chewing gum or chewing on pens and pencils, and cut back on caffeine and alcohol, which can increase the likelihood of grinding.

When should I see a dentist about jaw pain?

Make an appointment if you have ongoing jaw pain, frequent morning headaches, worn or chipped teeth, or if someone has told you that you grind your teeth at night. Call us at (407) 413-9000.

Ready to Schedule?

Tired of waking up with a sore jaw? Call Dentist of Lake Mary at (407) 413-9000 or request an appointment. We’re at 229 Wheelhouse Ln, Lake Mary, FL 32746, open Monday through Thursday 8 AM to 4 PM and Friday 8 AM to 2 PM. After-hours dental emergency? Text us anytime at (407) 413-9000.