Do you experience frequent headaches, neck problems, clicking jaw, facial pain, sensitive teeth, earaches, crushing sounds in the ear or any other related discomfort?
If your jaw joints click, pop, grind and cause you pain then you may be one of the many undiagnosed TMJ Disorder sufferers. Don’t sit back and put up with continued pain. Come and see Dr Anand at Extreme Dentistry for advice and recommendations on care for a lifetime plan.
What is TMD?
TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder) is a common but seldom serious condition in which the joint that connects the upper and lower jaws becomes misaligned. TMD can be caused by a number of different things. In some cases, it is the result of injury or dental disease and can cause a very wide range of symptoms, from mild to serious, including:
- Migraines, headaches and neck aches
- Difficulty moving the jaw, including opening and closing the mouth
- Clicking, grinding and popping of the jaw
- Locking or soreness or other pain around the face and jaw
The right treatment for you will depend primarily on the specifics of your condition. Dr Anand will work with you in awareness and education to manage your TMD and may recommend the following treatments:
- A nightguard appliance
- Specific physical exercises and therapy
- Oral medication
- Surgery approach (seldom required)
To find out how we can help you alleviate your pain for good, contact us today! Call (08) 8948 1225 or click here to email us.
FAQs
A TMJ splint is a special kind of mouthguard that is custom made to help a patient overcome TMJ jaw disorder and the pain associated with it. When someone has this disorder, their temporomandibular joint which joins the skull to the joint would have incurred an injury or some sort of damage. This in turn causes misalignment. A TMJ splint is something the patient would wear to put the jaw back into place and set it so that the patient’s jaw is aligned and no longer deals with pain, tension and headaches.
A TMJ splint is a special kind of mouthguard custom made to help you overcome TMJ jaw disorder and the pain associated with it. When someone has this disorder, their temporomandibular joint which joins the skull to the joint would have incurred an injury or some sort of damage. This in turn causes misalignment. A TMJ splint is something you would wear to put the jaw back into place and set it so that the jaw is aligned and no longer deals with pain, tension and headaches.
Yes, chewing gum frequently can affect your jaw. Most people chew gum in a way that exerts a lot of pressure on their jaw, leading to jaw pain, jaw damage, headaches, and even temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). Gum puts your jaw under intense compression which will affect you.
Chewing gum isn’t necessarily bad for your teeth, what makes the impact on your dental health is the type of gum. If the gum has sugar in it, that can lead to acid and bacteria build up, which in turn can lead to decay and even gum disease. Sugar-free gum is a better option, but keep in mind that chewing gum frequently can weaken your teeth.
Seeking treatment for your TMJ disorder can alleviate pain, improve jaw function, prevent further damage, promote better sleep, and offer psychological benefits, ultimately improving your overall quality of life.
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control jaw movement. It can cause pain, tenderness, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
If left untreated, TMD symptoms can worsen over time. Without treatment, the underlying causes of TMD, such as teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or an uneven bite, can continue to put pressure on the TMJ, leading to further damage and more severe symptoms. Additionally, untreated TMD can lead to chronic pain and discomfort, which can interfere with daily activities such as eating and talking.
Furthermore, TMD can cause secondary symptoms such as headaches, ear pain, and neck pain. These symptoms can also worsen if left untreated and may even lead to the development of additional health problems.
It’s important to seek treatment for TMD as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening and to alleviate the symptoms. Treatment options include self-care techniques, medications, oral appliances, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. Consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you may have TMD.
TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder) can be caused by various factors including jaw injury, teeth clenching or grinding, arthritis, misaligned teeth or jaw, stress, chewing hard foods, poor posture, and hormonal changes. If you are experiencing symptoms, seek evaluation and diagnosis from a healthcare professional.