When our jaw joints undergo excessive amounts of stress, a serious issue known as TMJ disorder can develop. TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, can lead to difficulty fully opening and closing the mouth, as well as a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms. What causes TMJ disorder? How will the doctor relieve my jaw strain?
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Disorder
Question: Do my habits impact the issue?
Answer: Yes. If you chew on hard or chewy foods, or bite down on other objects, such as pencils or pens, the pressure can exacerbate TMD symptoms. In addition, over consumption of caffeine can also increase the risk of clenching and grinding, another common factor behind TMD.
Question: What are other causes of TMD?
Answer: Common factors behind the issue include bruxism (teeth grinding/jaw clenching), tooth loss, stress, malocclusion, and injury to the jaw or face. The doctor will need to assess the cause of your jaw joint strain before recommending treatment.
Question: How do I recognize the symptoms?
Answer: Common warning signs may include pain in the jaw or face, as well as a clicking or popping in the jaw. You may also encounter chronic headaches, earaches, or pain in the neck or shoulders. If one or more of these symptoms sound familiar, then talk to your dentist. We can diagnose your discomfort and see if you need treatment.
Question: What treatment will the doctor recommend?
Answer: In some cases, we may suggest orthodontics to address malocclusion, as well as restorations (crowns, fillings) to ease strain. In addition, an oral appliance may be prescribed. An oral appliance looks like a nightguard and is worn during sleep. The device repositions the jaw to ease strain on the jaw joints. If you have any questions about TMJ disorder, then please contact our office today.
