It’s important to recognize the common symptoms of TMJ disorder, which include pain around the ears, frequent jaw pain and tenderness, a jaw that locks open or closed and difficulty chewing as a result. TMJ disorder, also called TMD, has been linked to other health conditions, such as bruxism and chronic stress.
A development of TMD can have many causes, and we encourage you to meet with one of our skilled dentists, Dr. Costa, Dr. Garge, Dr. Browning, or Dr. Patil to identify what may be causing your condition and which treatments may be optimal to improve your health. When it comes to TMD, every case is different and it’s important to discuss your condition with our dentists to know how best to approach a solution. If you have bruxism, a condition that results in grinding your teeth during sleep, you could develop TMD or have worsened symptoms.
One of the most common causes of TMD symptoms is the presence of chronic stress, and certain treatment strategies can greatly improve your discomfort. Chronic stress has been known to worsen TMD and bruxism, so treating your stress levels can greatly improve your oral health. We encourage you to make sure you get enough sleep, and you may want to try sleeping on your back so that your jaw isn’t under pressure all night. Select a pillow that has enough firmness to keep your shoulders, neck and your head in correct alignment, but also soft enough that your muscles aren’t tensed while you sleep.
You are welcome to contact Costa Dentistry at 703-542-7000 today if you suspect you would benefit from TMD treatment in Ashburn, Virginia, and would like to arrange a consultation to discuss your condition.