Mysterious Headaches? Think “TMJ Disorder”

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Headaches aren’t always the first thing people think of when they think of dental discomfort, but many people with seemingly-unexplained headaches can blame an oral health issue. Aside from trouble with your jaw’s movement and varying types of pain, headaches are another common sign of a jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder. The condition affects your jaw’s joints, or TMJs. Unfortunately, patients who experience TMJ disorder headaches may endure for years before learning that their discomfort is dental-related.

What Is a TMJ Headache?

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your lower jaw to your skull, and are extremely close to the trigeminal nerves responsible for your mouth’s movement. These nerves also supply sensory information for much of your facial structures. When they’re disturbed by TMJ disorder, the pain can manifest as chronic headaches, as well as jaw pain, earaches, and more.

Finding Common Causes

When a cavity forms, or you develop gingivitis, the cause is fairly easy to trace back to the bacteria found in dental plaque (which makes prevention relatively easy). When it comes to TMJ disorder, however, the causes aren’t always clear, or involve multiple issues that must be addressed to restore your jaw health and relieve your headaches. Some of the more-frequently related issues can include;

  • stress, which can cause tension in your jaw muscles
  • crooked teeth, which can throw your bite off-balance
  • and habitual teeth-grinding, also known as bruxism, that can exhaust your jaw’s muscles and joints.

Headache Relief Through Dental Treatment

If you experience chronic headaches, including migraines, and have not been able to find an accurate diagnosis to explain why, then speak with your dentist today about TMJ disorder. After a thorough examination, we can help you determine if jaw dysfunction is an issue, and how you can find relief from TMJ disorder headaches through an appropriate, case-specific treatment.

ABOUT YOUR CORONA DENTISTS:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.

The Thing About Teeth-Grinding

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You won’t notice it immediately, but if you constantly grind your teeth, then eventually, the friction and pressure can damage your teeth and exhaust the jaws that move them. The thing about teeth-grinding, however, is that patients who do it dangerously often typically do so in their sleep, and therefore aren’t aware of it until the damage occurs. In case you grind your teeth (known as bruxism) and don’t realize it, visiting your dentist for routine exams and cleanings might offer the best chance of detecting and treating it.

Long-Term Effects

Over time, rubbing your teeth together can wear down their chewing surfaces. As the surface of your bite changes, so does its balance, and to compensate, your jaw muscles and joints will have to work overtime. Since your bite is imbalanced, some teeth might be forced to sustain more pressure than usual, and can chip and crack from the undue force. Your jaw’s joints (TMJs) can also suffer damage, become inflamed, or be forced out of alignment.

How to Stop Bruxism

Treating bruxism requires a unique, patient-centric approach, and often focuses on addressing the cause of the condition and restoring any damage, if necessary.

Crooked teeth

Like worn teeth, crooked teeth disturb your bite’s balance, and an uncomfortable jaw can shift, forcing your teeth against each other. If malocclusion is the cause, then stopping bruxism could mean straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment.

TMJ disorder

Teeth-grinding can increase your risk of TMJ disorder, but it can be a symptom of it, as well. Treating TMJ disorder may involve a custom-designed mouthguard and/or oral splints to help realign your jaw, relaxation therapy to relieve chronic tension in your jaw muscles, or other case-specific treatment.

Excessive stress

If you suffer from chronic stress and anxiety, then teeth-grinding might be a physical manifestation of the tension. Taking a vacation, taking up a hobby, or learning other stress-relieving techniques can help you find relief from teeth-grinding, as well as other stress-related oral and overall health issues.

ABOUT YOUR RIVERSIDE DENTISTS:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.

White Restorations Make All the Difference

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“What’s the big deal with tooth-colored restorations, and what exactly are they?” you may wonder to yourself. Regardless of the jargon, understanding the benefits associated with advanced restorations like tooth-colored fillings and white all-ceramic crowns can greatly affect the way you feel about agreeing to restorative dental care. Learn more about your options for a clearer understanding of just how far dentistry has come in helping you maintain a beautiful smile.

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True Or False: A Porcelain Veneers Quiz

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Do you feel disappointed with the appearance of your smile? Are you worried that most cosmetic treatment just won’t live up to the dramatic transformation you keep dreaming about? You may want to take porcelain veneers into consideration. With a vast array of exciting benefits, this solution can help you achieve the smile you desire. Find out how much you know about this cosmetic service – and whether it might work for you – by testing your knowledge below:

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FAQs: How Do You Fix a Broken Tooth?

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Did you know that the enamel coating our teeth is the hardest substance in the human body? Despite the strength of our teeth, they aren’t immune to damage. A broken tooth can be a serious risk, exposing the inner dentin and pulp to bacteria and increasing the risk of decay or an infection. Fortunately, there are a number of options for repairing a damaged tooth.

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FAQs: What are Porcelain Veneers?

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Do you have multiple issues preventing you from having a beautiful smile? If you require more than just teeth whitening to improve your smile, don’t worry. With porcelain veneers, you don’t need to endure multiple procedures or office visits. This unique cosmetic treatment can transform the appearance of your smile in as little as two visits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Veneers

Question: How does this procedure work?

Answer: First, we will prepare the tooth by removing a miniscule layer of enamel. This makes room for the new restoration. We will then take an impression of the tooth. Using this impression, experts at Becden Dental Lab will design and fabricate your veneers. In the interim, you will wear an esthetically pleasing temporary. Once your custom restoration is complete, you will return to the office. We will check the fit and place the veneer with a powerful bonding agent.

Question: Who qualifies for this cosmetic treatment?

Answer: We recommend for this procedure for anyone looking for a cosmetic solution to common esthetics issues. Our doctors will exam your teeth and discuss your smile goals to make sure this is the best choice for improving your smile.

Question: What esthetics issues can veneers correct?

Answer: They can mask the appearance of minor misalignment and permanent discoloration. We may also recommend veneers to lengthen worn down teeth, close unsightly gaps between teeth, and repair damaged or malformed teeth.

Question: How long will this restoration last?

Answer: We make them from porcelain, a strong and stain-resistant material. As a result, you can expect your restoration to last for decades. Of course, you will need to practice good oral hygiene to maintain the health of your smile and the strength of your restorations. This includes brushing, flossing, and twice yearly dental cleanings.

About Your Riverside Dentists

Do you need a dental practice that offers personalized treatment plans and a caring approach to dentistry? Then talk to your Riverside dentists today. The caring professionals at Riverside Dental Group provide a full suite of services, including general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Contact us at (951) 689-5031 for all of your dental care needs.

Quiz: Obtaining a Brighter Smile with Teeth Whitening

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Do you have a smile dulled with yellow or brown stains? Discoloration can really zap the beauty from your smile. Fortunately, professional can address discoloration and offer a smile brightened by multiple shades. At Riverside Dental Group, we offer two unique types of processional cosmetic whitening.

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Quiz: Do I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

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How do you feel about your smile? If you feel uncomfortable showing your teeth when you smile or laugh, due to unsightly discoloration, gaps, misshapen or damaged teeth, then you may benefit from . At The Oasis Family Dental, our team can correct common esthetic imperfections with the latest cosmetic treatment options.

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