Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Nutrition and TMJ Counseling

If you notice symptoms such as headaches, popping, or clicking noises when you open your mouth, or any jaw pain, you might be suffering from TMJ, which is a temporomandibular joint disorder. The TMJ is the flexible joint that connects the jaw to the skull, so you might even feel pain in your ears. Typically, this join is incredibly flexible. But things can sometimes go wrong.

Diagnosing TMJ

TMJ disorders can be tough to diagnose because they often present as something else, including toothaches or sinus conditions. Your best bet is to have Dr. Kenneth Edwards conduct a thorough examination and take x-rays to find out if the joint is inflamed.

Depending on the results of your examinations, Dr. Edwards might recommend different He will always begin his recommendations with the most conservative treatment available, then work from there if you don’t achieve any relief.

Treatment for TMJ

Some initial treatments might include:

• Anti-inflammatories
• Heat and ice applied to the affected area
• A bite guard to protect against teeth grinding and clenching
• Relaxation techniques

You don’t have to live with jaw pain or headaches. Get to the bottom of the issue—and get relief from your pain with TMJ treatment in Amherst from Dr. Edwards.

Many people who experience dental fear and anxiety report that it's because of a bad or negative experience they've had in the past, or during childhood. Sadly, this affects their whole outlook on future dental appointments and it keeps many folks away from much-needed dental care.

Dr. Kenneth Edwards provides comprehensive and comfortable care at Family Dental Care in Amherst. You'll notice right away that our approach is different. Besides offering a friendly and warm environment with a gentle staff and doctor, we go above and beyond.

Oral Health Affects Overall Health

At the office of Dr. Edwards takes your overall health into consideration when planning your oral health care. This is because we understand that the two are connected.

Thanks to recent studies, we now understand that periodontal health is directly related to other health issues in the body, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. This is because the bacteria that cause periodontal (gum) disease can enter the bloodstream, travel to other areas of the body, and contribute to the inflammation that causes many health issues. This is known as the oral-systemic connection.

Nutrition Counseling

You know that good nutrition is important for your overall health; however, did you know that it also affects your oral health? Dr. Edwards provides personalized nutrition counseling based on your needs and lifestyle. He'll discuss with you the types of foods and supplements to include in your diet that will help your oral health as well as which foods you should avoid.

Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Sleep apnea is a dangerous sleep disorder that greatly affects your quality of life. It causes you to stop breathing, due to an obstructed airway, and this wakes you up multiple times during the night – even though you may not even realize it's happening.

Call Your Amherst Dentist 

Dr. Edwards provides alternative sleep apnea therapy using a custom oral appliance to help reposition your jaw and open your airway during the night. If you or a loved one snore loudly during the night, contact the office of Dr. Kenneth G. Edwards, DDS to learn more about your options.

Your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the point at which your lower jaw attaches to your skull. The joint is very flexible, allowing you to move your mouth in many different ways to talk, laugh, smile, and eat, but this flexibility also makes it vulnerable to inflammation and damage.

TMJ Disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder, known as TMJ or TMD, is when this joint becomes inflamed. There are many causes of TMJ, including arthritis, injury to your jaw, even an improper bite can cause  TMJ. It can be difficult to diagnose, as there are many symptoms and you may have just a few, some, or all of them.  Jaw pain, popping in the joint, and the jaw locking either open or closed are some of the most common symptoms.

What You Can Do?

If you have TMJ there are several treatment options available, depending on the severity of your TMJ. Amherst dentist Dr. Edwards can make a recommendation of one or more treatments including anti-inflammatories, a bite guard, hot or cold therapy, and relaxation techniques. He can also work with your primary physician to create a treatment plan that attacks the TMJ from multiple fronts, if necessary, combining our therapies with others'.

If you are suffering from symptoms of TMJ or have already been diagnosed and want to explore treatment options, contact our Amherst dental office to schedule a consultation.