Grinding & TMJ Appliances in Fort Myers, FL

Do you grind your teeth? Many tooth grinders aren’t conscious of their actions. The adverse effects of tooth grinding, on the other hand, are more apparent. If you usually grind your teeth, you may be putting yourself at the risk of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ disorder is defined as pain of the jaw joint, which is often accompanied by limited jaw movement. If you’re experiencing TMJ syndrome, you may suffer extreme pain coupled with an inability to open your mouth correctly.

Tooth grinding is among the causes of temporomandibular joint disorder. Other causes of TMJ syndrome include arthritis, jaw injury, and connective tissue damage.

TMJ pain can be debilitating and make everyday tasks nearly impossible. If you’re experiencing severe jaw pain, you should get checked out by a dentist. During your appointment, our dentist in Fort Myers, FL, will examine you to determine whether you’re showing the classic symptoms of TMJ syndrome.

In cases where you’re diagnosed with TMJ, our dentist will recommend safe, comfortable, and effective grinding &TMJ appliances near you to alleviate your pain and suffering.

What Happens During Your Appointment?

As we mentioned before, not every instance of TMJ disorder is related to tooth grinding. However, tooth grinders have a relatively high chance of developing TMJ disorder. During your visit, our dentist needs to determine whether you’re showing signs of tooth grinding, as well as TMJ syndrome.

Some common signs that give away a tooth grinder include worn tooth enamel and increased sensitivity. If this is accompanied by lockjaw, facial pain and soreness as well as dull headaches, then there’s a high likelihood that you’re a tooth grinder who’s developing temporomandibular joint disorder as a result.

Besides looking out for signs of tooth grinding and TMJ disorder, our dentist in Fort Myers, FL, will also evaluate your oral health as a whole.

Dental Appliances for Grinding and TMJ Disorder

Tooth grinding has many negative impacts on your oral health. Besides causing temporomandibular joint syndrome, tooth grinding also wears down your enamel, thus exposing your teeth to the risk of cavities. Tooth grinding at night may also lead to sleep interruptions, which can contribute to being fatigued during the day.

Depending on the outcome of your dental appointment, our dentist will recommend the best dental appliance to manage your dental problem. Some dental devices used in the management of tooth grinding and TMJ disorders include oral splints and mouth guards, including nightguards. In some instances, the dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment, especially if teeth misalignment or malocclusion is causing you to grind your teeth. Some patients also benefit from stress and anxiety management therapy, especially those that grind their teeth as a response to stress.

If you’re looking for grinding and TMJ appliances in Fort Myers, FL, look no further than Fort Myers Dental Arts.