Diseases of the Jaw
Jaw Conditions – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
Diseases of the Jaw Albury
A healthy mouth does not only have strong teeth and gums. Our jaws need to be in optimal condition, too.
Our jaws are prone to many dental problems, ranging from TMJ disorder to jawbone infection.
At Kreativ Dental Albury, we encourage you to pay attention to the health of your jaws, just as you pay attention to the health and beauty of your teeth and gums.
To achieve optimal oral health, it’s important to keep every part of your mouth free from issues and diseases.
Jaw problems include:
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
- Osteonecrosis (happens when your bones lose their blood supply)
- Oral cancers
- Treatment of jaw problems depends on the cause
Symptoms of Jaw Diseases
Jaw conditions cause dysfunction and pain in the jaw and face that may result in a number of symptoms. The symptoms can vary among individuals.
Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders include:
- Chewing difficulty or discomfort
- Difficulty opening and closing mouth
- Earache
- Facial pain
- Headache
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Uneven bite
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, make an inquiry to your Albury dentist immediately.
Treatment involves removing the source of infection, usually through root canal treatment.
Antibiotics may help in some cases but are rarely needed for dental infections. In more severe cases, a tooth may need to be removed.
Treatments for Jaw Conditions
Several different treatments may be recommended for your jaw condition, depending on the exact cause of the problem.
Treatments may include:
- Antibiotics to fight infection
- Behavioural therapy and biofeedback
- Muscle-relaxing medications
- Orthodontic work to correct malocclusions or related problems
- Pain-control medications
- Surgery to remove tumours, drain abscesses, or repair defects
- Use of nightguards, splints, or other protective devices
Improve your Jaw Condition
In addition to following your healthcare provider’s instructions and taking all medications as prescribed, you can reduce the symptoms of several jaw conditions by:
- Applying cold or heat packs to relieve discomfort
- Avoiding chewing gum
- Avoiding sticky or chewy foods
- Cutting food into small pieces
- Eating soft foods
- Practising relaxation techniques
- Stretching and massage
Diseases of the Jaw Treatment in Albury
At Kreativ Dental Albury, we assure you of safe and effective dental and jaw care.
Give us a call on (02) 6021 4171 for more information on occlusal splints in Albury. Book your appointment online.
We are located at 525 Wilson St in Albury.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is TMD treated?
In some cases, symptoms of TMD can be addressed with self-treatment at home. This includes eating soft foods, using an ice pack to control swelling, reducing jaw movements, and doing stretching exercises.
How can temporomandibular joint disorder be prevented?
Decrease stress levels and try to stop grinding/clenching your teeth.