If you suffer from pain in the jaw, headaches, muscle aches, and pain when chewing, you may have temporomandibular joint disorder (otherwise known as “TMJ”). You may think there is nothing that can be done to treat TMJ, or maybe you think it is just easier to pop a few ibuprofen or aspirin every time the pain flares up. However, there are some very important reasons why you should get help for your TMJ instead of constantly depending on pain medication.
The dangers of pain meds
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin are inexpensive and an easy and quick solution when you aren’t feeling well. However, as with any medication, there are some things to watch out for:
• Make sure you take the appropriate dose. Consistently taking more than the recommended dose can lead to digestive problems, kidney issues, and even heart problems.
• If you are pregnant you may not be able to take pain relievers at all during the last half of your pregnancy (as always, you should consult your doctor).
• Some medications have pain reliever in them, which means you may be taking more than you realize – for instance, if you take some ibuprofen and then soon afterwards take medicine such as Advil PM, which has ibuprofen in it.
• It is possible that you need a stronger, prescription pain reliever, which can come with problems and issues of their own.
Treat the TMJ instead of just the pain
Jaw pain and headaches are never pleasant – but if you have pain so often that you are always taking a pain reliever, your dentist can help you to find relief that lasts so that you can stop taking so much medication. Many patients find relief from a bite guard – a plastic device that fits over the teeth at night. You might also benefit from teeth straightening or replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant.
If you are constantly in pain, Lerner & Lemongello can help. It is important to diagnose what is causing your TMJ so that the right solution can be found. Call the office in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, for an appointment at (561) 627-9000 today!