Have you ever had trouble opening or closing your mouth allthe way? What about hearing a clicking or popping sound in your ears? These arecommon signs of TMJ disorder, or a problem with the joint connecting your jawto your head. You may need TMJ therapy fromyour dentist. Read this guide with everything you need to know about TMJ.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, involves pain or discomfortin the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint just below your ear thatconnects your jaw to the rest of your skull. TMD is caused by irritation, inflammation,or injury to the TMJ. Usually, it occurs as a result of unmanaged stress, butthere are multiple things that can contribute to the TMD.
Common Causes of TMD
While the exact causes of TMJ disorder are not completelyunderstood, there are several contributing factors, such as:
- Trauma to the teeth and jaw
- Malocclusion (bite alignment issues)
- Poor posture
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Poorly managed stress or anxiety
- Excessive gum chewing
- Arthritis
- Wearing orthodontic braces
Risk Factors for TMD
There are several risk factors for TMD, including:
- Having poor posture that puts strain on the neckand back muscles
- Stress causing you to clench your jaw or grindyour teeth
- Being female aged 18-44
- Having chronic inflammatory arthritis
- Having jaw trauma or poorly positioned teeth
Symptoms of TMD
Let your dentist know if you experience any of the followingsymptoms, as you could need TMD therapy in Savannah:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw area
- Clicking sound when opening or closing yourmouth
- Ear pain or hearing cracking sounds in your ears
- Pain that feels like a toothache in your backteeth
- Headaches and migraines
- Popping or ringing sounds in the ears
- Sore, tight, or stiff neck or jaw muscles
- Muscle spasms in the jaw
- Lockjaw making it difficult to open or closeyour mouth all the way
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, you should tellyour dentist right away. They can prescribe treatment that takes some of thepressure off of your jaw or even gently shifts your jaw into a new, betteraligned position. In addition, they may suggest Botox injections to relax thejaw muscles, so you don’t grind or clench your teeth while you sleep. Whateverthe case may be, it’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Charles Fana opened Compass Dental in Savannah, GA in2000. Since attaining his dental degree from the University of Louisville, hehas completed the entire curriculum at the prestigious L. D. Pankey Institute,becoming an expert in several different fields of dentistry, including TMJtherapy. If you think you may be at risk for TMD, contact Dr. Fana by clicking here orcalling (912) 352-3955.
