If you suffer from earaches or find it difficult to open your mouth all the way, you could possibly be suffering from TMJ pain. TMJ pain is something that is very common, but a lot of people do not know what they can do to alleviate their pain. Thankfully, our experienced dentists Drs. Robert and Chris Long are here to help you alleviate your pain.
The temporomandibular joint is located where the lower jaw meets the skull, and it permits your mouth to open and close with ease. There are many things can affect the joint, like stress, high emotions, grinding teeth, and a misaligned bite. The pain associated with TMJ can be sharp and piercing, leaving you orally and physically crippled. Some ways your dentist may help with your TMJ pain is making a mouth guard for you. This mouth guard prevents your jaw from clenching and your teeth from grinding. A custom mouth guard will be made just for you, as everyone’s mouth is different. If left untreated, surgery may be required to repair the damaged joint.
Another way to help with TMJ pain is doing simple jaw exercises and massages. The massages will increase circulation to your jaw, and alleviate some of the pain. The jaw exercises will help you regain control of your jaw muscles, allowing you to open your mouth with ease and prevent clenching.
Having good posture can also help with your TMJ pain. A relaxed jaw and straight back helps align your jaw, releasing a bit of pain. Good nutrition helps as well; try to stay away from hard, chewy foods, take small bites, and alternate chewing between the sides of your mouth.
If you feel as though you suffer from TMJ pain, contact your local dentist, and they will be able to assess your concerns.
At Long Family Dental, we provide quality general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry serviced in Cleburne and Midlothian. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment. Drs. Bob and Chris Long are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
It’s no secret a lot of people are less than confident when it comes to their smiles. For some, it’s the color of their teeth, and for others it’s the misalignment. For a lot of people, though, it is because they have missing teeth. Though dentures partials are ways to handle the issue, 
Though it may not seem important, 
Halloween is fast-approaching, so we want to take this opportunity to remind you and your family about candy, sugar and the impact they can have on your child’s smile. It is important to be mindful of the amount of sugar your child is consuming, especially because of the potential impact on their smile.
Smiles can become discolored and stained over time for a variety of reasons. If your smile is looking yellowed or dull, you may find yourself trying to avoid the mirror or hiding your smile. There’s no need because your dentist can brighten your smile with teeth whitening.
Are you unhappy with the appearance of your teeth? Are small flaws detracting from your smile? Your dentist can help with cosmetic dental bonding. This is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that can revitalize your smile.
Many times, patients feel that if they’re brushing and flossing their teeth at home then there’s no need to visit their dentist for their dental checkup appointments. Unfortunately, this really isn’t the case. By neglecting your dental checkups, you’re putting your smile at risk.
Many people have dental insurance, which is a great thing to have and helps make your dental care more affordable. However, dental insurance is not insurance in the same way as health or life insurance. It’s probably more accurately described as a dental benefit.
If you’re suffering from a toothache, it’s important to give your dentist a call right away. If the pain is persistent, you might need root canal therapy to treat the infection inside of your tooth. An infected tooth is a serious threat to your dental health and should be addressed as soon as possible.
If you have a tooth that is broken, cracked or weakened, it’s important to repair it to maintain the health of your smile. Often a filling will be used. In cases where the damage is more extensive, your dentist will use a crown to restore your tooth.