TMJ Awareness Month
How much do you know about temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)? November is TMJ Awareness Month, so this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about TMJ and how it can affect you. At our Parker, CO dentist office, we offer several options for TMD’s treatment and management.
What is TMD?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a collection of muscles and nerves that connect your jaw to your skull on either side of your head. Acting like a hinge for your jaw, the TMJ allows you to freely open and close your mouth while assuring you of smooth movement in your jaw when you are eating or speaking.
There are several concerns that could lead to a dysfunctional TMJ. Sometimes they are not entirely clear, but at other times it is easy to pinpoint them after a consultation with your dentist in Parker, CO.
One of the contributing factors to developing TMD is thought to be stress. By minimizing your stress or developing better coping strategies for it, you may be able to find a measure of relief. Orthodontia is also considered to be a concern for some. Dr. Leeson, a St. Pete family dentist, says that your TMD should resolve once the orthodontic treatment has concluded.
Signs of TMD
The several signs of a temporomandibular joint disorder are why this disorder goes undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed. During your consultation with Dr. Green, you’ll be able to discuss concerns freely. By comparing your symptoms with what the dentist can see during an examination, a diagnosis may be possible.
Some of the signs of TMD could include the following.
- Pain felt in the TMJ
- Pain inside of your ears, or around the ears
- Hearing clicking or popping noises in the TMJ
- Consistent headaches or migraines
- Tenderness in the jaw
- Inability to open or close the jaw
- Discomfort when eating or speaking
Treatment Options for TMD
According to Dr. Green, there are several TMD treatment options for those who have TMD. Quite often, the less is more approach is the most effective. For TMD, this could include taking over-the-counter pain medications and applying ice packs to the area that is feeling discomfort.
Gentle massages on the jaw and the muscles in the neck can also prove to be helpful. Alter your diet to exclude excessively chewy foods. This includes chewing the sugar-free gum that you love so much. All of this excess chewing could put further strain on the TMJ.
If these easy at-home solutions are not quite as effective as you’d have hoped, your dentist 80134 patients will find can offer a dental appliance to help. The dental appliance, or splint, can help provide support for the TMJ when you are sleeping and awake. This sets it apart from the night guard you would use to keep yourself from grinding your teeth in your sleep.
Contact Your Parker, CO Dentist for TMD Treatment
Are you experiencing some of the signs of TMD? Perhaps you’ve cracked a tooth? Contact Green Dental Care. Our office provides Parker, CO residents, emergency dental care, and more! We’re currently accepting new patients. Learn what patients are saying about us on our Google Reviews.