While many patients come to Dr. Milan with concerns about jaw pain and even headaches that come about as a result of jaw clenching, some people simply try to ignore the pain and clicking or feel they have to just live with it.
Truth be told, there are ways to ease this tension and help pain from jaw clenching subside. Keep reading for more.
How to know if you are clenching your jaw and what to do about it
If you find that you wake up with a headache or even have sore muscles around the perimeter of the face, you could be clenching your jaw unknowingly at night during sleep.
This can happen for a variety of reasons. Jaw tightness and clenching can be a result of stress and anxiety, excessive chewing or Rheumatoid Arthritis. It can also result from TMJ or bruxism disorders. And depending on the cause, it can cause pain even well into the neck, ears, nose, jaw, face and throat. Pain levels vary and, at its worst, it can cause throbbing pain.
Further, jaw clenching can cause your mouth to have a limited motion range, locking of your jaw or jaw clicking or popping.
But how do you treat the issue?
First, there are exercises you can do to help relieve a tight jaw, including a manual jaw opening and a jaw joint stretch. Next, you can massage the jaw in a circular motion to encourage blood flow and loosening. You may even consider eating softer foods to reduce pressure on the jaw.
Another option is to wear a mouthguard while you sleep. Dr. Milan can configure a custom mouthguard that can ease discomfort and prevent tooth damage that occurs as a result of jaw clenching.
Though jaw clenching is not life threatening, the pain can interfere with daily life. So, it is best to address the condition before it worsens.
All-in-one dentistry in Birmingham, MI
If you are searching for a highly regarded dentist who can handle any and all dental issues for you and your family, you are in the right place.
For two decades, Dr. Milan and his team have been helping people of metro Detroit and far beyond achieve dental excellence. We have helped many patients who suffered with bruxism and jaw clenching, along with a myriad of other oral issues.
Not only does the team help with lingering, often painful, dental issues, but Birmingham Center for Cosmetic Dentistry helps you achieve the most beautiful smile of your life! Through a variety of cosmetic and restorative procedures, we can enhance your smile AND your self-confidence…something everyone deserves.
To learn more, we invite you to contact us today.