A TMJ Treatment in Tucson Helps If Your Spouse Grinds Teeth During Sleep

Have you ever been told that you may grind your teeth at night or snore? Do you wake in the morning with sore jaw muscles, sensitive teeth, or a headache? You could be suffering from bruxism (nighttime grind) or another TMJ-related disorder. What you may not know is your dentist can help. TMJ disorders can cause discomfort, difficulty chewing, anxiety, tension, and a lack of sleep. You dentist can alleviate these symptoms and give you and your spouse a more restful night’s sleep. Continue reading to learn more about TMJ disorders and how Dental Care on Golf Links in Tucson can help.

TMJ Disorders

TMJ stands for "temporomandibular joint," the sliding hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull. If you have TMJ disorders, you may notice discomfort in your jaw joint and/or the muscles that surround it and control your jaw movement. There are many causes of TMJ disorders. Your discomfort could be caused by arthritis, jaw injury, or clenching or grinding teeth at night.

Symptoms

Symptoms of TMJ disorders vary depending on the cause of the individual’s disorder. Many people experience neck, shoulder, and jaw pain. Some people experience restlessness at night and wake up feeling exhausted. Many patients deal with chronic headaches. These symptoms are only a few of the many reasons you should seek out TMJ treatment.

Sleep Apnea and TMJ

TMJ disorders and sleep apnea often go hand in hand. Many of the symptoms are the same, and the result of fatigue in the morning is also common. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that inhibits your body from receiving adequate oxygen during sleep. Muscle fatigue and jaw soreness is often a side effect due to increased muscle exertion needed to open your airway and breathe after long pauses without breath.

TMJ Treatment in Tucson

The dentists at Dental Care on Golf Links can treat both your TMJ disorder and sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. A wide variety of appliances exist and can be selected by your dentist based on your particular needs. These appliances are custom-fabricated to fit your teeth, which maximizes comfort and the alleviation of symptoms. TMJ and sleep apnea appliances work to give you a better night of rest.

If you recognize these signs or symptoms as something you or a loved one experience, we can help. Don’t allow TMJ disorders to ruin your night of rest. By preventing the symptoms of TMJ disorders and sleep apnea, you and your bed partner will be happier, healthier, and well-rested.