Do you ever experiencing a clicking or popping sensation in your jaw? What about chronic headaches or facial pain? While these aches may seem unrelated, they are all symptoms of a common medical issue known as TMJ disorder, or TMD. Over ten million Americans suffer from TMJ disorder. Thankfully, treatment for your TMD is right around the corner! In today’s blog, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, explains the causes of TMJ disorder and offers treatment options to ease TMD-related discomfort.
What is TMD?
TMJ disorder occurs when excessive strain is placed on your temporomandibular joints. These joints connect the jaw to the skull and control all jaw movement, such as the motions required to chew or speak.
Symptoms and Causes of TMJ Disorder
Patients with TMD report several similar symptoms, including:
- Popping or clicking of the jaw
- Jaw pain
- Facial pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Earaches or tinnitus
- Neck pain
A variety of factors can cause a patient to develop TMJ disorder. Jaw joint stress can be caused by:
- Teeth grinding
- Misalignment
- Injury to the jaw
Treating Your TMD-Related Pain
In many cases, bruxism, or teeth grinding, is the major cause of TMJ disorder symptoms. Patients often begin grinding their teeth during sleep after experiencing an increase in anxiety. Simply reducing the amount of stress in your daily life can sometimes address your TMD. For patients with severe TMI disorder, eating or even talking may prove difficult. The teeth grinding related to TMD can also damage teeth, wearing them down or even breaking them. To combat TMD, Dr. Stewart may recommend a special oral appliance. Similar to a mouth guard, this dental device prevents the upper and lower teeth from touching, ending teeth grinding and eliminating TMD symptoms.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Livonia Family Dentist
Are you experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder? Then talk to your Livonia family dentist, Dr. Stewart, today! Dr. Stewart can provide a diagnosis and sit down with you to discuss treatment options. We provide general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry for the entire family! Contact our 48154 dentist office. Schedule a visit by calling (734) 425-4400. We serve patients from Livonia, Farmington, Farmington Hills, and surrounding areas.