How we ease the pain and other symptoms of TMJ syndrome with neuromuscular dentistry

Persistent headaches. Dizziness. Tinnitus. Chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain. Ear fullness. These and other wide-ranging and disruptive symptoms may all point to disorders or dysfunction of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). “TMJDs” may be treated effectively right here, at your home, for trusted, advanced dentistry. 

Get to know neuromuscular dentistry in Bel Air, Maryland 

Many people tend to think that dentists are all about cleaning, repairing, extracting, and otherwise working with teeth and gums. While our dentist, Dr. Bartholomew Kreiner, certainly does all of those things, he is also well-versed in improving or eliminating the symptoms of TMJDs. He does so with an approach that focuses on the health of and relationship between the different parts of your mouth and face, the teeth as well as the nerves and muscles. Such neuromuscular dentistry first starts with an evaluation. There are many conditions and behaviors that can stress the TMJs. These joints connect the jaws to the skull. They function as hinges to facilitate smooth movements that support comfortable and efficient chewing and the overall mobility of your mouth. 

When these joints or any other part of this complex system of nerves, muscles, bones, and tissues do not function as intended, symptoms may develop that evolve over time. Without treatment, you may notice increasingly more frequent or severe headaches and other distressing side effects. Before Dr. Kreiner can effectively treat, he gets to the bottom of your symptoms. The root cause or source of your troubles may be one or some combination of the following contributor(s):

• Bruxism, which is the fancy way of referring to chronic teeth grinding 
• Frequently or aggressively chewing on hard objects, be it ice, gum, or fingernails
• Poor sleep posture; for instance, pressure on the face and jaws when sleeping on your stomach
• Orthodontic issues, such as crooked teeth and a misaligned bite
• Arthritis
• Poorly-managed stress

Depending on your needs, Dr. Kreiner may recommend simple changes, like refraining from chewing gum or cutting food into smaller pieces. More significant changes may include everything from repairs to worn restorations to support better teeth and bite alignment to oral appliance therapies. Nightguards or bite splints are oral devices. When customized to your mouth and worn as directed, they act as a buffer to cushion the blow from teeth grinding. Depending on their design, these appliances may also slightly reposition the teeth to minimize further the extreme pressure placed on the teeth, jaw joints, and tissues from habitual bruxism. 

Contact the office of D. Bartholomew G. Kreiner DDS for treatments that support the health of your smile and the whole “you.” Our Bel Air, MD team can be reached at (410) 983-6775.