It can be challenging to find relief if you are experiencing pain due to periodontitis or Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ). Fortunately, there are measures you can take to manage your symptoms and get back to feeling comfortable in your mouth. Let us take a look at how dentists can assist with these issues.
Managing Periodontitis
Periodontal disease is a severe 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 may result in tooth loss and other serious health problems if left untreated. The best way to manage gum disease is through regular cleanings with a dentist and everyday brushing and flossing in your home.
This will help keep bacteria levels under control and reduce the risk of further damage. On the other hand, seeking advice from a trusted family member or friend who has undergone McDonogh Dental periodontal gum disease treatment can lead you to the best dentist in your community if you are looking for one that provides this service.
Night Guards for Grinding & Clenching
Clenching or grinding your teeth while sleeping 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 might recommend putting on a nightguard to fight these symptoms when you sleep.
Night guards act as protection between your upper and lower teeth so that they avoid contact with each other throughout the night. This helps reduce the tension in your jaw muscles, contributing to TMJ pain. If you are serious in knowing more about night guards and how they can help you avoid teeth grinding while you sleep, click here.
Dental Botox Treatments for TMJ
If you have tried wearing a nightguard but still experience jaw pain from TMJ, then oral Botox could be your answer. Dental Botox injections are utilized to relax the jaw muscles that cause discomfort caused by TMJ or bruxism-related issues such as migraines or neck aches. Oral Botox in dentistry field is a safe, non-invasive treatment administered by experienced dentists specializing in this type of treatment.
Tips to Reduce Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
You can take some basic measures to alleviate the symptoms related to 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 many more. If you suspect that you might be overusing your jaw muscles during these tasks, restricting or preventing them is crucial to give your jaw a chance to rest and recuperate.
Stretching and Massage
Stretching and massage techniques can aid in easing tension in the jaw muscles and minimize discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. Some simple stretches that may help include:
- Gently opening up and closing your mouth while pressing on your chin with your fingers
- Stretching the sides by positioning 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 complicated if you take the essential steps, such as seeing your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and brushing/flossing at home every day. Using nightguards while sleeping will help reduce strain in jaw muscles for those who struggle with bruxism-related symptoms.
Suppose these measures do not give sufficient remedy for the 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 the right track toward healthy dental hygiene habits.
