It can be challenging to find relief if you are experiencing pain caused by periodontitis or Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ). Luckily, there are procedures you can take to manage your symptoms and return to feeling comfortable in your mouth. Let us have a look at how dentists can help with these problems.
Managing Periodontitis
Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection affecting gums and bone-supporting teeth. It is caused by bacteria found in plaque that builds up on teeth as time pass. Periodontal disease can cause tooth loss, bleeding gums Owings Mills MD and other serious health problems if left without treatment.
The best way to manage gum disease is through regular cleanings with a dentist and daily brushing and flossing in your home. This will help keep germs levels under control and lower the risk of further damage.
Night Guards for Grinding & Clenching
Clenching or grinding your teeth while taking a nap is called bruxism, which usually leads to temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). TMJ is characterized by jaw pain, earache, headache, neck pain, or facial pain. Dentists may suggest wearing a nightguard or sports mouthguard when you sleep to combat these symptoms. Night guards serve as protection between your upper and lower teeth to ensure that they avoid contact with each other throughout the night time. This helps in reducing the stress in your jaw muscles that contribute to TMJ pain.
Dental Botox Treatments for TMJ
If you have opted for wearing a nightguard but still experience jaw pain from TMJ, then oral Botox could be your solution. Dental Botox injections are used to relax the jaw muscles that cause discomfort due to TMJ or bruxism-related issues such as headaches or neck aches.
Dental Botox procedures are risk-free, non-invasive procedures administered by experienced dentists specializing in this type of therapy. See more and find out what other dental issues can be corrected with Botox in the dentist’s office.
Tips to Reduce Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
You can take some simple steps to relieve the signs and symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. Among them are:
Avoid Overuse of Jaw Muscles
This includes conversing for extended periods, chewing gum, grinding teeth at night (bruxism), or eating hard foods like nuts, apples, carrots, and more. If you think that you may be overusing your jaw muscles during these tasks, limiting or avoiding them altogether is vital to give your jaw a chance to rest and recuperate.
Stretching and Massage
Stretching and massage techniques can aid in relieving tension in the jaw muscles and minimize discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. Some simple stretches that might serve to help include:
- Gently open and close your mouth while pressing on your chin with your fingers
- Stretching out the sides by placing two fingers on either side of your face and pushing outward
- Pressing down on your lower jaw with both hands while trying to open your mouth wide
Final Thoughts
Managing periodontitis does not have to be difficult if you take the necessary steps, such as seeing your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and brushing/flossing at home daily. For those who suffer from bruxism-related symptoms, using nightguards while sleeping will help reduce strain in jaw muscles. Suppose these measures do not provide sufficient relief from discomfort caused by TMJ.
Dental Botox treatments can be an alternative worth exploring with a dentist like McDonogh Dental, which specializes in this kind of treatment. With proper management of periodontitis and relief from symptoms of TMJ, it is possible to get back on track toward healthy dental hygiene habits.