Chronic jaw pain can be a debilitating reality for patients living with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or TMD. As a condition that forms when the TMJs become overworked, inflammation can result in extreme pain, making it difficult to open and close your mouth. If this situation sounds familiar to you, read on to discover the underlying causes of TMD and what kind of treatment you can pursue to achieve relief from the discomfort.
What Causes TMD?
Many researchers and dental professionals often blame stress for the development of TMD; however, there are other causes that cannot be dismissed, such as:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching
- Severe trauma to the jaw, head, or neck
- Arthritis
- Displacement of the jaw joints
- Medical conditions, like fibromyalgia or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
Should you discover that you suffer from any of these issues as well as experience intense jaw pain, do not wait to seek professional help. The sooner you see someone with the skill and expertise to treat this kind of problem, the more likely you are to start living your best life.
What Symptoms Indicate TMD?
Although a formal diagnosis is required by a trusted and licensed dental professional, there are many symptoms you can pinpoint before your first appointment. These include:
- Frequent headaches
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Clicking or popping jaw
- Growing pain throughout the jaw, head, and neck
- Earaches
- Locking the jaw
- Dizziness
How Can TMD Be Treated?
There are many different ways TMD can be treated; however, it’s important that your dentist first examines your mouth and facial anatomy to determine the best course of action. It’s possible that you may need occlusal adjustment or equilibration, which involves altering existing teeth and/or restorations to create a more balanced and fluid bite.
Additionally, you can receive a customized nightguard that you can wear while you’re asleep. This occlusal splint will encourage your jaw to rest in a more relaxed position as well as keep your teeth from touching each other throughout the night.
By taking the appropriate steps to treat your TMD, you can worry less about the effects of chronic jaw pain in the future. Instead, you can focus more on enjoying daily tasks and the ability a functioning jaw can provide.
About the Author
Dr. Brandon Brunner has been practicing dentistry since 2005 but discovered his passion for treating sleep issues and chronic pain later on, leading him to provide safe and effective TMJ treatment in Wauwatosa. When patients arrive with severe jaw pain, he can employ advanced techniques and technologies to deliver a more comfortable approach to treatment. As a result, individuals can go on to live healthier and more carefree lives thanks to his expertise. If you need help to get rid of your jaw pain, visit our website to learn more.