TMJ and Bruxism Treatment
Do you ever wake up with headaches or neck and shoulder pain? These are just a few symptoms associated with a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Bayside Family Dental Care wants you to have a comfortable, healthy smile that lasts for a lifetime. We are proud to offer patients various TMJ treatment options in Batemans Bay, NSW.
What Is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint, acts as a sliding hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull. Dysfunction of these joints can lead to pain, discomfort and mobility issues. Disorders of the temporomandibular joint are commonly referred to as TMD or TMJ.
Untreated TMJ can affect a person’s quality of life because it impacts chewing ability and induces jaw pain and soreness. It can also cause chronic jaw pain, damage or inflame the joints and surrounding muscles, cause headaches, alter one’s bite and lead to the development of an airway sleep disorder.
Causes and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Many different factors can contribute to the development of a TMJ disorder. Some of these are:
- Injury or trauma
- Genetics
- Malocclusion or jaw misalignment
- Arthritis or connect tissue conditions
- Overwork of the TMJ and surrounding muscles
- Stress and tension
Symptoms of TMJ vary from person to person, but many of them include:
- Clicking and popping of the jaw
- Lockjaw
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Misaligned bite
- Facial, neck and shoulder pain
- Pain and soreness of the jaws
- Migraines or headaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tinnitus
- Worn teeth
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect you have TMJ disorder, we invite you to contact our dental practice for available treatment options. Dr Chad Henderson is a skilled and experienced dentist in Batemans Bay who can help relieve TMJ pain and discomfort.
TMJ and Bruxism Treatment in Batemans Bay
Sometimes, TMJ disorder can resolve without treatment. However, we offer many options for alleviating the symptoms.
At Bayside Family Dental Care, we treat TMJ and bruxism in different ways, such as information, patient education and occlusal splints.
Patient Education and Information
The more a patient knows about their oral health, the better they can play a proactive role in their wellness. Dr Henderson and our team take the time to speak with each patient about their unique needs and improve their condition outside of the dental clinic.
Some recommendations we have to offer our patients include: 
- Relaxation techniques
- Stretching
- Massage or physical therapy
- Hot or cold packs
- Biofeedback therapy
For patients with TMJ, we also recommend that they be conscious of posture, repetitive jaw movements and jaw clenching. These activities or habits can aggravate the TMJ and lead to painful or uncomfortable symptoms.
Occlusal Splints
At Bayside Family Dental Care, we believe occlusal splints are the gold standard of any TMJ therapy. An occlusal splint is specially designed to protect the patient’s mouth and jaws from TMJ-related symptoms. The splint is a custom-made mouthguard that repositions the jaws and guides them as the mouth moves front-to-back and side-to-side. This customised occlusal splint protects the teeth from premature wear and supports the TMJ and muscles.
Do you clench and grind your teeth or live with TMJ pain? Dr Henderson is here to help you attain the healthy, comfortable smile you’ve always wanted.
