TMD and Autoimmune Diseases

All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach is proud to provide for the general dental needs for all kinds of patients. One problem with implications for patients’ dental stability, sensitivity, and function is temporomandibular joint disorder. Also known as TMD, temporomandibular joint disorder is especially common in people who suffer from autoimmune disorders such as rheumatism and lupus, and compounds their other oral health problems.

The temporomandibular joints are what connect the lower jaw to the head. They are complex joints, able to move in all directions, and we need them to be able to speak and chew correctly. When people clench their jaw, their teeth may be ground down and pushed out of place. The loss of enamel would leave their teeth less protected from heat and decay, and their jaw would be sore.

When a person has an autoimmune disease, their own immune system attacks their body. In people with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, the immune system is attacking the lining of the temporomandibular joints, triggering inflammation. A rheumatologist can provide assistance by prescribing anti-inflammatory medications, but our dental office can also shield the teeth from grinding. We’ll fit the patient for a night guard, which is an oral appliance worn in the mouth at night to hold the jaw in place and prevent the teeth from rubbing together. We can also teach stretching exercises that will loosen the jaw, and provide prosthetic replacements for damaged teeth.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit All Coast Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

TMJ is the acronym for the temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw to your skull at the temporal bone. The TMJ is necessary for tasks such as eating and speaking. At All Coast Dental, Drs. Julie Boulos, D.D.S. and Joseph Boulos, D.D.S. can provide a thorough examination of your TMJ. If your chewing muscles or the joint itself are causing you pain, you may have a temporomandibular disorder or TMD.

Common symptoms of TMD are:

• Pain when opening or closing the mouth 


• Problems chewing


• Jaw sticking open or shut


• Ear pain and headaches


• Clicking or popping when opening your mouth


• Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Because these symptoms are often associated with other health problems, only a medical professional such as Drs. Boulos can give you an exact diagnosis. Out of all the symptoms, teeth grinding or bruxism is one of the most significant dental health problems. Prolonged grinding will wear the enamel off of teeth and expose the dentin. Dentin is softer, and thus more susceptible to decay and bacteria. Sleep Apnea and chronic pain are serious conditions that are also be caused by TMD.

For relieving your pain symptoms, talk to our staff to determine a treatment plan that’s best for you. Pain relievers and hot/cold compresses are good short term methods. A night guard can be worn during sleep to stop bruxism. In very rare cases surgery may be required for TMD.

If you have any questions or concerns about TMJ/TMD or are interested in other aspects of our services, feel free to contact All Coast Dental today. Located in Pacific Beach, CA, schedule an appointment with Dr. Julie Boulos, D.D.S. or Dr. Joseph Boulos, D.D.S. Visit our website to schedule online, or call 858-270-4904.

What Is TMD?

The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw bone (mandible) to the temporal bones in your skull, in front of each ear.  A general term for any problem or issue with this joint is temporomandibular disorder, or TMD.  All Coast Dental can help patients prevent and recover from negative effects of TMD.

Patients that grind or clench their teeth often end up with a sore jaw.  Other patients experience injuries with facial trauma that cause jaw pain, or result in the patient feeling their jaw gets stuck or ‘locks’ in either an open or closed position.  A custom night guard keeps the jaw in a neutral position during sleep, and this helps many patients find relief from TMD symptoms.  For any pain, your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter painkiller or warm and cold compresses.  To prevent further discomfort, you may be assigned stretches for your jaw. 

Whatever your symptoms, you don’t have to suffer with discomfort in your jaw.  To learn more about TMD and the services we provide at the practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.  

Vertical Dimension Loss

The doctors of All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach are experienced providers of dentures to patients who need a second chance at oral health. Regardless of whether they need a full set of dentures or just partials, one of the most important aspects of fabricating dentures is to account for vertical dimension loss. Also known as bite collapse, this consequence of tooth loss and bone degradation affects the function, comfort, and aesthetics of the jaw bone.

Tooth enamel can be worn away, and when the back teeth are missing, the front teeth may be pushed out to an angle as they are subjected to chewing forces they cannot withstand. In either case, the bite will be shortened. This will make the face appear more wrinkled and cause the mouth look disproportionately small. It also frequently causes pain in the jaw, head, neck, and shoulders.

Temporary dentures are often a part of the treatment process. Besides providing the patient with the ability to chew while their mouths heal from extractions, they also give us with a chance to ensure that prosthetic teeth are sized correctly. Properly fitted dentures can restore the shape of the patients’ face in addition to providing a dazzling smile.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit All Coast Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Foods to Avoid with TMJ Pain

When dealing with a TMJ flare-up, it is nice to know which foods to avoid as to not aggravate the condition. It is also good to know what to avoid to stop a flare-up from happening in the first place. At All Coast Dental, we know how frustrating TMJ pain can be. Steer clear of these certain types of foods to keep a pain-free jaw.

Hard and Crunchy

Hard and crunchy foods are more difficult for the jaw to chew through than softer foods. Because of the force the jaw needs to exert to bite through them, hard and crunchy foods can irritate the TMJs and lead to pain. Stay away from crunchy foods like chips and popcorn as much as possible. Harder foods like raw vegetables are also difficult on the jaw joints. However, since veggies are still an important part of your diet, just cook them so they are softer.

Chewy

Chewy food is another common culprit for jaw pain. Caramels, chewing gum, and even tougher cuts of meat are irritating because of the amount of chewing needed to break them down. The constant chewing motion can easily cause a TMJ flare-up. Stay away from chewy candies. If you use gum to freshen your breath, think about trying mints. Also, stick to tender cuts of meat and if you want seafood, choose fish instead of chewy shellfish.

TMJ pain can be frustrating and it can feel like eating makes it worse. However, just changing your eating habits can make a big difference. To schedule an examination with All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call our office at (858) 270-4904 or visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

TMJ/TMD

TMD can be a very painful condition to deal with. It can also be frustrating, but there are treatments for it. At All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, we are relieving our patients of pain by providing them with custom night guards.

The TMJ is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), is a condition where the temporomandibular joint (the TMJ), is dysfunctional. The joint can become enflamed, swollen, and tender. It can cause aching around the ear and face, difficulty chewing, and a clicking or popping sound. The joint may also lock the mouth open or closed.  

There are several things that can contribute to TMD. If the TMJ disc is eroded or moved out of place, it can cause TMD. Arthritis or damage by injury can also cause TMD. Often, grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw can also lead to TMD. Grinding and clenching is especially a problem at night, when a patient may not know he or she is doing it.

A night guard is available less the effects the pressure put on the jaw by TMD. Surgery for TMD is sometimes needed, but often just changing the way the jaw muscles are used through behavioral treatment is enough to provide relief. Our night guards are made completely custom from an impression of your teeth, so it will provide you with the best possible relief.

If you are experiencing a sore jaw, clicking sounds, or suspect you grind your teeth at night, come in for an evaluation. To schedule with All Coast Dental of Pacific Beach, CA, call our office at (858) 270-4904 or visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net.