Signs and Symptoms
TMD symptoms can vary widely, including issues that may not seem to be related to the jaw: chronic headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness, ringing in the ears, or even dizziness.
The jaw or jaw muscles may feel sore or painful, especially in the morning or when eating or yawning. Popping or clicking noises may occur when opening and closing your mouth, or it may even be difficult to do so. The teeth may feel sensitive for no apparent reason.
TMD Causes
TMD is often caused by a jaw dislocation resulting from an injury or from chronic grinding of the teeth, as well as arthritis or muscular imbalances. The way the teeth fit together in the bite can contribute as well, which may affect the way that it’s treated.
Diagnosing TMD Disorders
Diagnosis can be tricky because of the different causes of TMD and ways that the condition presents itself. Dentists will perform a thorough examination, listen to and test your symptoms, review complete medical records, and sometimes take blood tests to rule out other causes of symptoms.
If your condition can’t be diagnosed using these methods, x-rays will be taken and other tests such as MRIS, CT scans, and bone scans may be done until a proper diagnosis is reached.
Treatment Options
The pain and other symptoms of TMD usually go away when the underlying cause heals or receives treatment. Splints, hot and cold treatment, and medication may help to relieve swelling and pain if the condition was caused by an injury.
Home remedies like eating only softer foods and doing stretching exercises may also help. If stress or teeth grinding are causing symptoms, relaxation techniques and a mouth guard may help to treat the disorder and relieve symptoms.
If these less invasive techniques are unsuccessful, TENS or trigger point injections may be used to relax the muscles of the face and provide pain relief. If all other options are exhausted, surgery may be considered. Surgery may be performed to remove scar tissue or to reposition the discs that cushion the jaw bone.
Our team has the experience and qualifications needed to treat TMD disorders. If you think you may have one, call today to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TMD cause headaches?
Does grinding my teeth cause TMD?
What are some things that I can do at home to help with my TMD?
While we advise you to come in as soon as possible to get your TMD properly treated, here are some things that you can keep in mind to reduce the effects of TMD:
- only eat soft food that you can chew easily
- avoid food that causes your to have to bite down with your front teeth
- avoid food that causes you to open your mouth wide such as a big burger or sandwich
- don’t chew gum
- alternate chewing from one side of your mouth to the other
- apply moist heat to the outside of your jaw four times for 10 minutes
- massage the sore joints daily to stretch your chewing muscles
Is jaw surgery required to treat TMD?
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Dr. Standish has been serving Clay County patients at Eagle Harbor Dental for over 30 years. His daughters Dr. Kelly & Dr. Erin joined the practice and they’ve been creating beautiful smiles as a family ever since. With extensive educations and memberships, our dentists are the best that Fleming Island has to offer.
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