Temporomandibular Disorder
Flower Mound, TX TMJ Treatment
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as recurrent headaches. In some cases this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD.
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), or jaw joints, allow you to move your jaw forward, backward, side to side, and up and down. They are some of the most complicated joints in your body, and are in constant use throughout the day. If you develop pain or difficulty in using these joints, it can seriously impact your daily life.
What is TMD?
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a catch-all term for anything that might cause the joint to function improperly.
There are many different causes for TMD. Your symptoms will help us determine the right course of treatment is best for you. The causes can range from something as innocuous as resting your hand on your chin or chewing gum. More serious causes can include grinding your teeth, a misaligned jaw, or an incorrect bite. Even a slight change in the position of your teeth can cause trouble, putting pressure on your teeth and jaw and causing a lot of pain.
Should you notice any of these symptoms, let us know! We can help advise you as to whether they indicate the presence of TMD, and what sort of treatment is appropriate for you.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Pain or aching in your jaw
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Clicking or popping when your jaw moves
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to let us know right away. The sooner we know about it, the sooner we can figure out if you have TMD and or something else and get you on the road to recovery.
At Dazzle Dental, we believe that prevention is the best medicine. If you haven’t experienced any of these symptoms, avoid falling into habits that can cause them, such as:
- Grinding your teeth”
- Constant gum chewing
- Resting your chin on your hand
- Chewing only on one side of your mouth
- Exhibiting poor posture
- Clenching your jaw instead of relaxing
By taking these simple steps, you can save yourself a lot of pain and discomfort.
If you think you have TMD, call us a soon as possible to make an appointment. Like many other oral problems, this does not go away on its own.