TMJ Therapy for Wilmington, DE

The joints that connect the jaw to the skull are located just below and in front of our ears. They're called temporomandibular joints, or TMJs. A system of muscles and nerves surround the TMJs. When the joints are misaligned even slightly, the muscles and nerves may become irritated and cause pain in the head, neck, jaw, shoulders, and mouth. Some patients even experience lower back pain or tingling fingers. Others grind their teeth while sleeping, a condition known as bruxism that wears down back teeth.

Your dentist can assess your TMJs to determine whether they’re misaligned. If TMJ dysfunction is the cause of your symptoms, a custom oral appliance called a nightguard may help. The appliance repositions the jaw to relax muscles and reduce nerve irritation. It will also eliminate teeth grinding.

Alternative treatment for TMJ disorder and bruxism includes stress relief exercises, physical therapy, or building up back teeth to restore proper occlusion. You don’t have to live with nagging TMJ pain or destructive bruxism. Ask for a TMJ analysis at your next dental visit.