Is TMJ Slowing You Down?
TMJ disorder, or TMD, affects somewhere around 10 million Americans. TMD is caused by a wide variety of conditions that cause pain in the temporomandibular joint and prevent it from functioning properly. Some of the causes of TMD include:
- Stress.
- Arthritis.
- Inflammation.
- Teeth grinding.
- Misalignment of the jaw.
- Physical trauma to the teeth or jaw.
Regardless of the cause, TMJ disorder is common, and it creates symptoms that can slow you down in your everyday life. Symptoms include:
- Pain or Tenderness: Your temporomandibular joint can affect more than just your jaw area. Sufferers of TMD also complain about pain or tenderness in the face, neck, shoulders, and ears. This constant feeling of discomfort can take your mind off of your daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Difficulty Eating: The pain and tenderness mentioned above can affect your eating and chewing habits. Individuals with TMD try to avoid discomfort while eating, so they may change their chewing patterns or even give up some of their favorite foods.
- Migraines and Headaches: TMD is one of the main culprits that causes frequent headaches and migraines. These ailments can be frustrating, distracting, and even sickening. Headaches and migraines may become disabling if you cannot function during the day.
- Clicking and Locking of the Joint: Clicking of the jaw while chewing or opening and closing the mouth may only be a minor annoyance, but it may escalate to locking. It can be frightening when the jaw becomes locked and stuck in one position. In some cases, you may need to seek immediate medical attention.
- Uncomfortable or Incorrect Bite: TMJ disorder may affect your bite. It is uncomfortable to bite down and find that your upper and lower teeth no longer fit together in the same way. This bite can cause further pain in the jaw joint area, which could make you more nervous about chewing or opening and closing your mouth.
- Swelling in the Face: Those who suffer from TMD may notice that their faces, especially the sides of their faces, swell up. This can change their overall appearances.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us to schedule a consultation, so we can help you.
Leave TMD in the Dust with TMJ Therapy
Dr. Alexander knows that TMD symptoms can be frustrating, painful, and distracting, so he provides a way to alleviate and escape them. With TMJ therapy, Dr. Alexander can treat your symptoms to help you return to your normal life and productivity levels.
TMJ therapy includes education, suggestions, massage, appliances, and more to lessen your symptoms and improve the state of your temporomandibular joint. We will work with you to find the unique solution that will fit the cause of your TMD as well as your symptoms.
Find Relief for Your TMJ Symptoms
If you’re ready to find relief from your TMJ symptoms, contact us at Alexander Dentistry today. After a consultation, Dr. Alexander can determine what you need to get back to your normal, comfortable life.