September is Pain Awareness Month. If an aching jaw, frequent headaches, or facial soreness are part of your life, this is a good time to do something about them. These symptoms can interfere with eating, sleeping, working, and simply feeling your best.

At Bell & Bell Dentistry in Frankfort, KY, we can help determine whether a TMJ disorder is behind your discomfort. With the right treatment, you’ll find lasting pain relief and protect your smile at the same time.

Could Your TMJs Be Causing Your Pain?

Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jaw to your skull. You rely on them every time you open and close your mouth. When these joints or the surrounding muscles aren’t functioning properly, you may develop a TMJ disorder. Symptoms can include:

  • Jaw or facial pain
  • Frequent headaches
  • Neck discomfort
  • Clicking or popping in the jaw
  • Pain or difficulty when chewing
  • Jaw stiffness
  • Limited jaw movement
  • Earaches or pressure around the ears

Because these symptoms can have other causes, it’s important to have persistent discomfort evaluated.

What Causes TMJ Problems?

TMJ disorders don’t always have a single cause. Teeth grinding and clenching are common contributors. Both put excessive pressure on your jaw joints and muscles. Grinding often happens during sleep, so you may have no idea you’re doing it.

Problems with your bite can also place extra strain on the jaw. Arthritis, injuries, and muscle tension may contribute as well.

Whatever the cause, ongoing stress on the TMJs can lead to persistent discomfort. It can also cause excessive tooth wear and other dental damage.

How Can a TMJ Appliance Help?

At Bell & Bell Dentistry, we can create a custom TMJ appliance that fits comfortably over your teeth. Unlike an over-the-counter mouthguard, a custom appliance is made specifically for your mouth and treatment needs.

The appliance helps reduce stress on your jaw joints and surrounding muscles. If you grind or clench, it also creates a protective barrier between your teeth. This can prevent additional wear and damage.

Giving your jaw a chance to rest can provide pain relief from headaches, facial soreness, and other TMJ symptoms. Your dentist will explain when and how to wear your appliance for the best results.

Don’t Live With TMJ Pain

It’s tempting to ignore an aching jaw or take pain relievers whenever a headache strikes. That may provide temporary relief, but it doesn’t address what’s causing the problem.

Treating a TMJ disorder can improve your everyday comfort while helping prevent additional strain on your jaw and damage to your teeth. The sooner you identify the problem, the sooner you can begin addressing it.

In recognition of Pain Awareness Month, make September the month you stop putting up with persistent discomfort. Contact Bell & Bell Dentistry at 502-783-6322 to schedule an appointment in Frankfort, KY. We’ll determine whether a TMJ disorder is contributing to your symptoms and help you find the pain relief you need.