TMD, otherwise known as temporomandibular joint disorder, affects millions of people all over the world and can be quite painful. Timberview Family Dentistry believes that TMJ symptoms could come from the joint or the jaw itself.
Your TMJ is what allows you to move your jaw side to side, up and down. Your TMJ also allows you to yawn, chew, and talk. When your TMJ is out of joint, no pun intended, it could cause problems.
TMD Symptoms
Jaw pain
TMJ pain
Facial tenderness
Ear pain when you open your mouth, chew, or talk
Lockjaw
A popping sound when you open your mouth
Stuck jaw
Facial fatigue
Uncomfortable bite
Upper and lower teeth not fitting together
Facial swelling
Headaches
Shoulder pain
Dizziness
Earaches
Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
Teeth clenching or grinding
Arthritis in your TMJ
TMD Treatment
Over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can relieve swelling
Cold or hot packs
Jaw stretches
Soft foods
Oral appliance therapy
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Julie from Timberview Dentistry. She may recommend a muscle relaxer or stress-relieving tactics such as meditation.
Treatments
Over the Counter Medications
Timberview Family Dentistry can give you a comprehensive dental examination to determine the cause of your TMD. Dr. Julie Storm may recommend over the counter treatments to help ease the swelling and pain.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Dr. Storm may also recommend oral appliance therapy using a night guard or split. Custom-made to fit your teeth and gums, oral appliances can help prevent clenching and grinding. Splints or night guards are recommended while you sleep to help put your teeth back into the correct position while sleeping.
Dental Restoration Work
Dr. Julie Storm may also recommend dental implants for missing teeth, dental bridges, crowns, or braces to help balance your bite.
If you or someone you know suffers from a TMJ disorder, call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. Julie Storm from Timberview Dentistry. She just may be able to help you stop clenching and grinding your teeth.
