An Answer To Your Unexplained Jaw Discomfort
Do you find that you frequently experience discomfort in your jaw? Or do you hear a popping or feel a clicking noise when you open your mouth, chew or speak? If so, you may be suffering from a common condition known as TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder. TMD is an issue that can arise from the temporomandibular joint, which acts like a hinge connecting your skull to your jawbone. When it becomes damaged, it can lead to serious complications with your facial muscles, jaw, head, and neck.
Symptoms of TMD
Oftentimes, patients who regularly experience discomfort look into other ways to relieve symptoms and are eventually surprised to learn they are suffering from TMD. Many symptoms can mimic other illnesses, such as a sinus infection, an ear infection, or tooth decay. Anyone who has suffered from these symptoms knows that it can be debilitating and extremely uncomfortable, leaving patients desperate for relief. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, we can help:
- Frequent headaches
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Jaw that sometimes feels locked and difficult to open
- Clicking or popping sounds when you move your mouth
- Ear aches and ringing in the ears
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
Treatment Recommendations
After performing an evaluation and looking at each symptom you are experiencing, we determine the best method of treatment to give you results that will improve your quality of life. We may recommend treatments such as facial exercise, orthodontics, or splints — a device used to properly position your jaw.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, there are adjustments you can make at home while you are waiting for your appointment or before another treatment is started. We recommend eating a diet of softer foods, being sure to cut your food into smaller pieces to make chewing more comfortable and manageable. Warm compresses on your jaw can also be beneficial, along with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
If TMD is not treated, the symptoms could increase and become more severe over time. If you live in or around the Denton, MD area and are experiencing any of these symptoms or are interested in learning more about TMD, please contact our office today. We look forward to seeing you soon.
