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To Our Patients,

We understand and deeply respect that you may be concerned about coronavirus in public places, even at our state-of-the-art sterilized office.

Our first priority is always the health and well-being of our patients. And that is a priority we take extremely seriously, even with the current disruptions we’re all experiencing.

It has been a very difficult decision, but we have decided that it is in the best interest of our community, our team, and our patients that we not see regular patients until at least Monday, April 6, 2020.

If you do have a dental emergency, we are here and will be here and happy to help you. Please call us at 603-546-7460.

This is just one more way that we can show our high level of care for you … and for everyone in our community. We very much look forward to seeing you, your family, and your friends very soon.

As always, if you have any questions, please call our office at 603-546-7460.

Sincerely,
Dr. James Kiehl
Nashua Family Dentistry

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COVID-19 Update from Nashua Family Dentistry
Call Today603-546-7460 Schedule Online
25 Riverside Street, #201, Nashua, NH 03062
Call Today603-546-7460
25 Riverside Street, #201, Nashua, NH 03062
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Home > Blog > Stress & Strain Could Cause You Jaw Pain

Stress & Strain Could Cause You Jaw Pain

May 10, 2018
Untreated TMJ Disorder | Nashua Family Dentistry

Nearly 1 in 8 people is affected by a TMJ disorder, according to The TMJ Association.

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about going to the dentist. But it’s definitely a reason you should consider visiting Nashua Family Dentistry.

For years, we have been helping patients in and around Nashua, NH alleviate and prevent one of the most common causes of TMJ problems — teeth grinding.

Our dentists can examine your mouth and let you know if there are any signs of wear and tear on your teeth. If so, we’ll discuss your treatment opens and how we can help ease your pain and protect your smile.

You shouldn’t have to live with pain. Call 603-546-7460 to make an appointment.

What You Can Do

Learning the symptoms of a TMJ disorder is the first step in helping yourself.

Frequent headaches, earaches, or jaw pain (particularly in the morning) may be signs that you are one of the millions of Americans who grind their teeth in their sleep. This can be particularly hard on your jaw joints and the muscles and other tissues that surround those joints.

You may notice jaw pain or soreness after meals. Some people report problems moving their jaws. You also may notice a painful clicking or popping as you open and close your mouth.

You might experience problems you may not immediately associate with a jaw problem, such as facial pain, neck pain, and upper back or shoulder pain.

The TMJ Association recommends first trying home treatments:

  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
  • Apply moist heat if you are having problems moving your jaw
  • Apply a cold or ice pack to reduce swelling and numb pain
  • Stick to eating soft foods for a few days if you notice jaw pain after meals

Many people have TMJ symptoms from time to time. You should seek help if these problems persist in spite of your home treatments or if they keep coming back shortly after you stop your treatments.

If you need help, our dentists are here to provide it.

It’s also important to consider the effect that stress is having on you. Many people clench or grind their teeth (when they are awake and when they are asleep) as a means of coping with stress, even if they are not aware that they are doing it.

If stress is a contributing factor in your TMJ disorder, you may want to talk to a therapist, learn some relaxation techniques, take up exercise, or find new ways of managing the stressors in your life.

What We Can Do

When you visit us, we will want to discuss your symptoms and examine your teeth.

If you are grinding or clenching your teeth, you are adding a lot of strain to your jaw and the surrounding joints. Researchers have measured people generating 500 pounds of pressure or more when they grind their teeth in their sleep.

That can cause chips, cracks, and breaks to form. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, and it can make you more likely to have cavities and tooth infections.

All of these are problems. If we see signs of damage, we will want to do two things: repair the damaged teeth and stop the grinding.

To restore your teeth, we may recommend dental crowns or dental veneers depending on which teeth are damaged and how severe that damage is.

We also can take an impression of your teeth to create a custom-fitted mouthguard that you can wear while you sleep. This mouthguard keeps your top and bottom teeth separated so you can’t grind them together.

It may take a few days to adjust to sleeping with a mouthguard between your teeth, but a majority of our TMJ patients find this treatment beneficial in the long run.

Stop Living in Pain

You should be able to enjoy your life. You shouldn’t be living with the pain(s) that come with a TMJ disorder.

Our team at Nashua Family Dentistry doesn’t want you to be in pain either. So, if you suspect you may have a TMJ problem, don’t put off getting help. The sooner you find a solution, the sooner you’ll be able to feel like yourself again.

Call 603-546-7460 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with us. We’re here, and we want to help you to be pain-free.

What Our Patients Are Saying

M. F. (Verified Patient) | Nov 18, 2020
5
Very good as usual, terrific hygienist, office group are the Best!

Very good as usual, terrific hygienist, office group are the Best!

E. K. (Verified Patient) | Jul 02, 2020
5
An amazing dentist, with a staff full of people who genuinely care about you. My...
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An amazing dentist, with a staff full of people who genuinely care about you. My most recent experience, I forgot to have a very important form filled out (requirement for those in the NG) and they went through HOOPS to get my form filled out and returned to me. I can’t recommend them enough!

K. K. (Verified Patient) | Mar 17, 2020
5
Cleaning went well. No discomfort and on time.

Cleaning went well. No discomfort and on time.

R. C. (Verified Patient) | Mar 12, 2020
5
Melissa is always personable and professional. The staff is always helpful and patient. That's why...
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Melissa is always personable and professional. The staff is always helpful and patient. That's why I keep going back!!

A. A. (Verified Patient) | Mar 12, 2020
5
Everyone is always extremely nice and personable. They do a great job making you feel...
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Everyone is always extremely nice and personable. They do a great job making you feel comfortable

J. K. (Verified Patient) | Mar 09, 2020
5
Melissa is the best hygienist! Gentle yet thorough.

Melissa is the best hygienist! Gentle yet thorough.

R. A. (Verified Patient) | Feb 26, 2020
5
fast, friendly and efficient

fast, friendly and efficient

C. N. (Verified Patient) | Feb 13, 2020
5
Had a new hygienist and everything went extremely well. Staff is always friendly and knowledgeable.

Had a new hygienist and everything went extremely well. Staff is always friendly and knowledgeable.

T. O. (Verified Patient) | Feb 07, 2020
5
I look forward to my appointments at Nashua Family. I know most people cringe when...
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I look forward to my appointments at Nashua Family. I know most people cringe when they have to go to the dentist. Their professionalism and care always put me at ease. Cleanings to dental work , they always make sure I am comfortable. I had one tooth internally bleached . The results are amazing., Thank you, NAshua Family

W. I. (Verified Patient) | Feb 06, 2020
5
Always a good experience

Always a good experience

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