What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

Have you heard the term TMD but aren’t quite sure what it is? Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD or TMJ dysfunction, is a disorder that occurs when the temporomandibular joints are inflamed, damaged, or injured.

The temporomandibular joints are located at each end of the jawbone. They give the jaw the mobility it requires to move up and down and side to side. When they aren’t functioning properly, it’s known as TMD. This condition can be linked to chronic teeth grinding and clenching, stress, and anxiety.

COMMON SIGNS OF TMJ DYSFUNCTION

There are many signs and indicators that point to the presence of TMD. Here are some signs you should watch for:

Clicking or popping jaw
Facial pain
Clogged ears
Pain and/or ringing in the ears
Frequent headaches and migraines
Pain when chewing
Lockjaw

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM TMD?

Are you currently experiencing any of the TMD symptoms listed above? If you are, then you may have Temporomandibular Joint Disorder and should schedule a dental consultation as soon as possible. If left untreated, TMD can have permanent damage on your joints and can lasting pain and dysfunction when chewing and talking.

TMD THERAPY

Dentists can receive additional training and certifications to treat TMD. One of the most common dental treatments for TMD is oral appliance therapy. With oral appliance therapy, custom retainers are made to reposition your jaw in order to reduce TMD and side effects. By wearing the retainers and relieving pressure off your joints, they have time to properly heal so our jaw function can improve.

At Your Community Smile, our team offers gentle TMD therapy treatments to reduce pain and discomfort in your jaw and help you regain the full functionality of your joints. Please contact us to schedule your consultation and get started on the path towards a pain-free smile!