Don’t Let TMD Affect Your Holiday Celebrations
We know that this time of year is hectic. Holiday celebrations, festivities, time with family, and more can make this time of year overwhelming. The added stress can lead to complications if you suffer from TMD. If you are unfamiliar, TMD refers to temporomandibular joint disorder. The temporomandibular joint, also known as the TMJ, is responsible for opening and closing the jaw. We would hate for discomfort in your jaw and facial muscles to put a damper on your holiday celebrations
Problems with Diagnosing TMD
Unfortunately, many adults with TMD often go undiagnosed because the symptoms resemble those of other issues. For example, one TMD symptom is ear pain. People may think they have an ear infection and visit a medical professional. Unfortunately, if a treatment is recommended, it is often unsuccessful, leaving patients with the remaining symptoms. Common symptoms of TMD include:
- Jaw pain and discomfort
- Face, back, or neck pain
- Frequent headaches
- Earache or ringing in the ears
- Lockjaw
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
Importance of Receiving Treatment
Unfortunately, many patients who experience problems with their temporomandibular joint do not receive treatment for their condition. The longer TMD remains either undiagnosed or untreated, the more severe the symptoms will become. Similar to other oral health issues, such as dental decay, TMD will continue to get worse. Your discomfort will grow, and you may also begin to experience serious complications with your oral health.
If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms related to TMD, be sure to contact our office, which is located in Denton, MD, to schedule an appointment. We want to help you get the relief you deserve and enjoy your holiday celebrations to the fullest.
