Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctors
      • Dr. Brian McNulty
      • Dr. Luis Dancausse
    • Meet the Team
    • Why Choose Us
    • Tour Our Office
    • FAQ
  • Our Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Dental Cleanings & Dental Exams
      • Nonsurgical Gum Disease Treatment
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Family Dentistry
    • Relieving Dental Anxiety
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Dental Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
    • Restorative Dentistry
      • Tooth Fillings
      • Dental Crowns And Bridges
    • Full-Mouth Reconstruction
      • Dental Implants
      • Dentures
    • TMJ Treatment / Teeth Grinding
    • Sleep Apnea Treatment
  • Patient Testimonials
    • Smile Gallery
  • Patient Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Payment Options
    • Specials and Promotions
    • I’m Embarrassed to Smile
    • I’m Having a Hard Time Chewing
    • I’m In Pain or Have Discomfort
  • COVID-19 Protocols
  • Blog
  • Search
  • Contact Us
  • Our Hours
  • Monday: 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Thursday: 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Friday: 8:00AM-12:00PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed
MENU
Our Hours Contact Us
WE ARE OPEN | Read our COVID-19 Protocols
Call Today704-766-8662 Schedule Online
  • Monday: 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Thursday: 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Friday: 8:00AM-12:00PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Logo
Call Today704-766-8662 Schedule Online
3014 Baucom Road, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28269
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctors
      • Dr. Brian McNulty
      • Dr. Luis Dancausse
    • Meet the Team
    • Why Choose Us
    • Tour Our Office
    • FAQ
  • Our Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Dental Cleanings & Dental Exams
      • Nonsurgical Gum Disease Treatment
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Family Dentistry
    • Relieving Dental Anxiety
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Dental Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
    • Restorative Dentistry
      • Tooth Fillings
      • Dental Crowns And Bridges
    • Full-Mouth Reconstruction
      • Dental Implants
      • Dentures
    • TMJ Treatment / Teeth Grinding
    • Sleep Apnea Treatment
  • Patient Testimonials
    • Smile Gallery
  • Patient Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Payment Options
    • Specials and Promotions
    • I’m Embarrassed to Smile
    • I’m Having a Hard Time Chewing
    • I’m In Pain or Have Discomfort
  • COVID-19 Protocols
  • Blog
  • Search

End Your TMJ Pain

January 16, 2020
pediatric_dentistry_3 | McNulty & Dancausse General Dentistry | Charlotte NC Dentist Office
Home > Blog > End Your TMJ Pain
January 16, 2020

For such a tiny little set of joints, your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause a disproportionate amount of pain. Located on either side of your face below your earlobes, your TMJ joints connect the jaw to the skull. Despite its small size, the TMJ is one of the most complexly constructed joints in your body. To enable you to do all the things required of your mouth — chew, yawn, talk, etc. — it must combine a hinge motion with a sliding motion.

Unfortunately, because of the joint’s complexity, problems with the TMJ can cause a wide range of painful symptoms and they can be difficult to diagnose and treat. If you live in the Charlotte, NC area and you’ve been experiencing jaw pain or other symptoms of TMJ disorder (also called TMD), call McNulty & Dancausse General Dentistry at 704-766-8662 . You may also get in touch through our online form.

Do I Have TMJ Disorder?

TMD may manifest in a number of ways, which is one of the reasons it’s so difficult to diagnose. If you have any combination of the following symptoms, TMJ disorder may be the culprit:

  • Jaw pain
  • Popping, clicking, or grinding sound when you open your mouth (the noise may or may not be accompanied by discomfort)
  • Pain or tenderness in the ear (but no infection)
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Change in your bite — or how your teeth fit together
  • Aching, tenderness, or a tired feeling in the facial muscles
  • Soreness in the neck or upper back
  • Locking of the jaw when you open your mouth
  • Swelling in the face

What Is Causing My TMD?

It’s really difficult to pinpoint a cause for TMJ disorder. People with arthritis or other joint problems are susceptible, and it may be hereditary to some extent. Some people develop TMD after an injury to the jaw. Clenching or teeth grinding may contribute to the problem. The good news is that it is typically temporary, especially with treatment.

How Do I Treat My TMD at Home?

There are a number of things you can do at home to treat your TMJ disorder, including:

  • A heat pack or hot water bottle can bring relief.
  • Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, help reduce pain and swelling.
  • Ice packs help with pain and swelling.
  • A soft-foods diet helps the jaw rest and heal. Avoid eating anything hard and crunchy.
  • Certain jaw exercises can promote healing and keep the joints mobile.
  • Relaxation techniques reduce the stress that can cause teeth clenching and grinding.
  • Try to keep your facial muscles relaxed whenever possible.
  • If you must carry a bag, use a backpack so that the weight is evenly distributed.

At TK Dental Care, We Will Help You Heal Your TMJ

If your TMJ is causing you pain and discomfort, call McNulty & Dancausse General Dentistry of Charlotte, NC for a consultation. We can help you pinpoint the cause of your TMD and counsel you on how to care for your TMJ at home. We can also craft you a custom mouthguard that keeps you from clenching or grinding your teeth at night, and holds your jaw in a healing position. Get in touch with us online or dial 704-766-8662 .

Read Our Patient Testimonials
Rate Us
704-766-8662
Call Us Today
3014 Baucom Road, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28269
Our Hours
Monday8:00AM-5:00PM
Contact UsSchedule Online
  • Monday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Tuesday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Wednesday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Thursday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Friday 8:00AM-12:00PM
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Schedule an Appointment 704-766-8662 Schedule Online

Location

3014 Baucom Road, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28269
View Larger Map

Office Hours

  • Monday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Tuesday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Wednesday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Thursday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Friday 8:00AM-12:00PM
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

Now is the Time to See Your General Dentist

Whether you are ready to return to your general dentist for the first time in six months or the first time in more than ...

Read More
Choose Dental Care From a Great Team

Joyce will tell you she’s never been a fan of the dentist. When she started coming to our office, she needed laughing ...

Read More
Schedule an Appointment 704-766-8662 Schedule Online

Location

3014 Baucom Road, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28269
View Larger Map

Office Hours

  • Monday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Tuesday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Wednesday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Thursday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Friday 8:00AM-12:00PM
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

Now is the Time to See Your General Dentist

Whether you are ready to return to your general dentist for the first time in six months or the first time in more than ...

Read More
Choose Dental Care From a Great Team

Joyce will tell you she’s never been a fan of the dentist. When she started coming to our office, she needed laughing ...

Read More
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Patient Testimonials
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Site Index

© 2021 McNulty & Dancausse General Dentistry | All Rights Reserved |Privacy Policy|Sitemap

*Results May Vary By Individuals