Have you ever noticed a popping or clicking sensation in your jaw? What may initially seem like an annoying quirk could actually be an indicator of a serious oral health concern. TMJ disorder, also referred to as TMD, impacts our jaw joints and can lead to a higher risk of major oral health complications unless treated.
Popping Jaws and TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder develops when stress on the jaw joints occurs, such as from an injury, tooth loss, misalignment, or stress. Without treatment, soon you could have trouble fully opening and closing your mouth. Warning signs often include popping or clicking in the jaw, as well as persistent headaches or pain in the neck, jaw, or face. If one or more of these possible symptoms sounds familiar, then contact our office right away for a diagnosis.
The Link to Bruxism
If you grind your teeth (bruxism) then this could strain the jaw joint. Likewise, untreated TMD could lead to the onset of bruxism. Without treatment, teeth grinding and clenching can eventually damage the teeth and make tooth decay and infection more likely to occur, causing serious discomfort and threatening your tooth. As with TMD, symptoms of bruxism can include headaches and jaw/facial pain. You may also experience toothaches and tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
The Benefits of an Oral Appliance
We can often treat the issue with a custom oral appliance. The appliance will look similar to a nightguard, in fact you will actually wear it at night while you sleep. The appliance can actually reposition the jaw, easing strain and address your TMD. We can also prescribe restorations, such as crowns, and orthodontics to ease strain on the jaw joints can treat your TMD. If you have any questions about identifying and treating TMD, then please contact our office today.
DOES YOUR JAW POP OR CLICK?
At Vi Mai-Truong, DDS, we can employ comfortable and custom oral appliances to address your TMJ disorder. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese. To schedule an appointment, call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552.
