Do you suffer from jaw pain or frequent headaches? You may have a temporomandibular joint disorder. Southill Dental Group can successfully treat TMD with effective, comfortable methods.
What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint is located where the jaw bone, or mandible, meets the skull. We all have one on either side of the jaw. These joints move the jaw up and down, side to side, forward and backward. They are essential for correct speaking, chewing, and breathing.
Since this is a flexible, highly mobile joint, it is susceptible to stress and injury in the surrounding muscles. TMJ disorder, or TMD, includes any dysfunction caused by this stress.
Do I Have TMD?
TMD is surprisingly common, affecting over 10 million Americans. Do you notice any of the following TMD symptoms?
- Clicking or popping sounds coming from the jaw.
- Jaw pain.
- Limited jaw movement or jaw locking.
- Ringing sounds in the ears.
- Frequent tension headaches.
TMD can be caused by an injury to the jaw, a poor bite, arthritis, or teeth grinding.
In fact, grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, is one of the most common culprits. Many patients subconsciously grind their teeth in reaction to stress or anxiety. It can be even worse when it occurs during the night because the sleeper will have no memory of doing it.
How Can TMD be Treated?
Southill Dental is committed to helping you find fast and lasting relief from your TMJ symptoms. We will administer an exam to correctly diagnose your condition. If TMD is the problem, we will likely recommend a TMJ mouth guard.
Mouth Guards for TMJ
A TMJ guard is a device that stabilizes the teeth and bite. This protects the teeth from grinding during sleep. Your mouth guard can be worn at night to hold the jaw in its optimal position, allowing the muscles to relax and the symptoms to disappear.
Mouth guards like this are also extremely useful in the alleviation of chronic snoring and sleep disorders. A mouth guard that holds the lower jaw and tongue in place will keep these airways open, both preventing aggressive snoring and allowing unobstructed breathing.
Get Relief from Your TMD!
If you are experiencing TMJ, call Southill Dental Group today to book an appointment to explore treatment options.