Riverside, CA, dentist offers treatments for tmj and bruxism

Although these conditions are fairly common, it can be difficult to tell on your own if you are experiencing symptoms of chronic teeth grinding or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Your Riverside, CA, dentist is here today to explain three tell-tale signs that you may have these conditions, and how we can help treat them.

You Often Have Headaches Or Jaw Pain

Waking up with a headache can be a poor start for your day. If this seems to happen frequently, it could be a sign of TMJ dysfunction which causes too much tension placed on your jaw. This may happen if your teeth are misaligned or you have an uneven bite, which leads to excessive pressure placed on your jaw joints. Jaw pain could also be a sign of excessive grinding, also known as bruxism, because the action of clenching your jaws together or grinding your teeth can lead to discomfort and pain. It can be tempting to take over-the-counter pain relievers and go on with your day, but if these symptoms occur several times a week, it’s time to seek professional care.

Your Teeth Have Become More Sensitive

It’s not unusual for your pearly whites to feel sensitive when eating or drinking something that is hot or cold. However, if you experience a lingering pain or sensitivity around your teeth, it may be caused by grinding your teeth when you are unaware of it. At your next checkup, your dentist may be able to examine your smile and look for signs of bruxism. Worn down pearly whites or easily damaged dental structures are visible indicators that you may be grinding your teeth when you are unaware. Your dentist may ask about other symptoms you experience and pair them with these visual signs to help diagnose the problem. After these conditions have been treated, other restorative work, such as placing dental crowns, can be done to repair your pearly whites from damage.

There Is A Popping Sound When You Open Your Mouth

Another common sign of these disorders is a popping or clicking sound when you open and close your mouth. You may not be able to notice this, but your partner or family member may hear it while you are asleep. Your dentist can help diagnose the problem by asking about possible symptoms you experience as well as through X-rays and images. Once diagnosed, a helpful treatment can be created to help relieve your symptoms. It’s important that these conditions are treated promptly to avoid further damage to your smile and health.

Our Team Can Help Relieve Your Symptoms

If you are experiencing symptoms of these disorders, don’t ignore them. Call your nearest Riverside Dental Group location today to schedule an appointment.

Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.

Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.

Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest (951) 776-9001

Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.

Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.

Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.