Your jaw joint is located just in front of your ears and is the most flexible and most utilised joint in your entire body. It is this joint that enables you to chew, swallow, talk and laugh. When your jaw is out of alignment it can cause headaches, migraines, jaw pain, and even neck, shoulder and back pain. Sometimes this can be misinterpreted as a back problem and not jaw misalignment.

Neuromuscular Dentistry is a special area of dentistry that is dedicated to realigning your jaw by correcting how your teeth fit together, your bite. It is very in-depth, focussing on your muscles, nerves and joints of your entire head, face and neck. It’s an area of dentistry which ensures your jaw is in its optimal position and the complex system of muscles and joints work harmoniously.

Temporomandibular Joint disorder (TMD) is the term used when your teeth and jaw are out of their correct alignment. This may cause a variety of significant oral and general health problems. Recurring headaches, especially after sleep, migraines, facial, neck and shoulder pain can all be symptoms of a misaligned jaw. You may have limited jaw movement or hear a clicking sound when you eat, yawn or speak.

Some factors that can contribute to the development of TMJ disorders include:

• Missing teeth allows adjacent and opposing teeth to move out of alignment
• Repetitive strain on the jaw muscles caused through stress or physical activity
• Clenching and grinding of teeth (Bruxism)
• A fracture or dislocation of the jaw caused by an accident or sport injury
• Degenerative bone disorders, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment for a TMJ disorder at Bright Star Dental Centre will often take a conservative approach. For some clients TMJ disorders are only temporary and as such simple treatment methods are the most appropriate and effective.

Following a thorough examination, your treatment programme is developed and tailored to your personal needs by your Bright Star Dental Centre dentist. Although relief may be experienced very quickly, if your TMJ problem has developed slowly over a period of time so to your treatment therapy may take some time to fully complete.

Every client will have different symptoms and needs, therefore your treatment plan may consist of one or several methods which include:

• Bite plate – A custom-made acrylic mouthguard-like splint used to reduce pressure placed on the jaw and teeth. This is usually worn at night when your bite force can be up to six times greater than when you are awake. This will need to be adjusted regularly and monitored as your bite and jaw position changes during your treatment
• Night guards – To reduce the impact of premature tooth wear grinding and clenching (Bruxism) can cause on teeth and jaw muscles
• Cold or warm packs – A cold or warm compress placed over the tender areas of your jaw muscles can assist with muscle relaxation and provide relief
• Relaxation massage – Gentle massage of your jaw joints and muscles can stimulate blood flow and aid in eliminating discomfort and stiffness
• Diet – Modifying your diet to include soft foods and cutting your meals into smaller pieces so as to reduce the force required to chew. Avoid hard, chewy, sticky foods and chewing gum
• Stress management – Develop and use relaxation therapy techniques to reduce stress and strain caused from clenching muscles
• Medication – For more severe cases the use of medication may be prescribed for short-term relief and may include muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressants, or anti-anxiety medication. These should strictly as directed
• Surgery – Surgery will only be considered in very rare and severe cases where no other treatment has been successful and is a last option

Clients who undergo treatment for TMJ disorder experience decreased or eliminated pain and discomfort and better overall health, longer-lasting dental restorations and more restful sleep. If you or a family member experience jaw discomfort, schedule an assessment appointment with one of the Bright Star Dental Centre team.