Aches And Pains In The Jaw - It Could Be TMJ!

Also known as TMJ, this disorder has a series of problems that go along with it. Your aches and pains might actually indicate Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.

The following are some of the symtoms associated with TMJ:

1. Misaligned teeth (an incorrect bite will affect the jaw.)
2. A 'clicking' or 'grinding' sound when you open or close your mouth.
3. A ringing or aching in and around the ear.
4. A pain or tenderness of the hard or soft tissue in the jaw area.
5. Facial pain.
6. Aches or pains when chewing or swallowing.
7. Headaches.
8. A 'locking' jaw joint.
9. A shoulder and/or neck ache.

Although any of these signs and symptoms could be a Temporomandibular Joint Problem, it takes a health care professional that is trained in that specific area to diagnose a TMJ problem. If you think you may have TMJ, discuss all of your symptoms with your dentist or your personal care physician.  It is a treatable disorder.  There is no need to suffer!

Keep smiling!

Facts, Disorders, and Treatments For TMJ

TMJ is your Temporomandibular Joint that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull.  This joint allows you to move your jaw up and down and from side to side. 

Facts:

• 1 in 8 Americans are currently affected by TMJ. 
• TMJ is 4 times more common in women than men.
• Men are found to have more wear on their teeth and bite. 

Causes:

• Head, neck, and jaw misalignment
• Genetics
• Grinding or clenching teeth
• Trauma
• Diseases like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Arthritis
• Stress

Symptoms:

• Headache
• Aching pain in or around the ear
• Jaw locking or popping
• Tenderness in the cheek and jaw
• Pain and difficulty eating
• Dizziness
• Sharp facial pain
• Facial swelling
• Neck and upper back spasms

Treatment:

• A dental splint helps keep the teeth in alignment and prevents tooth grinding
• Physical therapy with the jaw
• Trigger point acupuncture
• Botox to help relax the muscles of the jaw

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above see your dentist right away!

Facts, Disorders, and Treatments For TMJ

TMJ is your Temporomandibular Joint that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull.  This joint allows you to move your jaw up and down and from side to side. 

Facts:

• 1 in 8 Americans are currently affected by TMJ. 
• TMJ is 4 times more common in women than men.
• Men are found to have more wear on their teeth and bite. 

Causes:

• Head, neck, and jaw misalignment.
• Genetics.
• Grinding or clenching teeth.
• Trauma.
• Diseases like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Arthritis.
• Stress.

Symptoms:

• Headache
• Aching pain in or around the ear.
• Jaw locking or popping.
• Tenderness in the cheek and jaw.
• Pain and difficulty eating.
• Dizziness.
• Sharp facial pain.
• Facial swelling.
• Neck and upper back spasms.

Treatment:

• A dental splint helps keep the teeth in alignment and prevents tooth grinding.
• Physical therapy with the jaw.
• Trigger point acupuncture.
• Botox to help relax the muscles of the jaw.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above see your dentist immediately!

Do You Grind Your Teeth? Know These Facts!

I suffer from bruxism.....I have for many years now, and I thought I'd do a little research and blog about it because it affects your body in so so many ways. First, you should know that it is an unconscious, involuntary thing. When you are unconsciously grinding your teeth (clenching while awake, clenching and grinding while you are asleep) you are putting up to ten times the force on your teeth and jaws than when you are chewing food! Many people don't even realize they're doing it, and consequently, suffer from unexplained problems such as jaw pain, muscle fatigue, headaches, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, TMJ and a variety of other conditions, aside from the fact that it can fracture, shorten and cause your teeth to loosen, erode and decay.

The long term effects of bruxism are distressing because it can actually change your physical appearance! It can cause bags under the eyes, enlargement of the muscles around the joints of the jaw and curling of the skin around the lips. There are devices (night orthotics) that dentists can make for you to wear when you're sleeping to prevent this damage from happening. If you suspect that you are having this problem, ask your dentist today about a diagnosis and a night orthotic device to help correct the problem before it does long term damage.

Keep Smiling!

Jaw Pain And Treatments

Have you ever experienced jaw pain? If your answer is yes, you know it can be super uncomfortable and  can make it hard to eat and speak.

Most jaw pain is due to an injury in the jaw joint but there are other possibilities to why you are experiencing jaw pain.

Causes:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osetoarthritis
• Injury to the jaw that has damaged the TMJ
• Chronic grinding (Bruxism)
• Connective tissue disease that affects the jaw joint
• Advanced tooth decay leading to an abscess or another serious dental problem
• Excessive stress leading to tension buildup in the jaw
• Sinus infection or allergies putting pressure on the teeth and jaw

Treatments:

• Relax - Stress leads to muscle tension in the head, jaw, neck and shoulders. Try relaxing exercises like yoga, mediation or a nice quiet hot bath!
• Invest in a night guard - Tooth grinding is common in adults. When we are stressed or mad we tend to grind our teeth and it usually happens in the middle of the night. 
• Botox - If you suffer from chronic jaw pain, maybe its time to ask about Botox. Botox helps reduce muscle contractions and keeps the jaw at rest. When the jaw is at rest it allows the area to heal.

If your pain continues, its very important to seek medical/dental attention right away!

Facts, Disorders and Treatments For TMJ

TMJ is your Temporomandibular Joint that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull.  This joint allows you to move your jaw up and down and from side to side. 

Facts:

• 1 in 8 Americans are currently affected by TMJ. 
• TMJ is 4 times more common in women than men.
• Men are found to have more wear on their teeth and bite. 

Causes:

• Head, neck and jaw misalignment.
• Genetics.
• Grinding or clenching teeth.
• Trauma.
• Diseases like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Arthritis.
• Stress.

Symptoms:

• Headache
• Aching pain in or around ear
• Jaw locking or popping
• Tenderness in the cheek and jaw
• Pain and difficultly eating
• Dizziness
• Sharp facial pain
• Facial swelling
• Neck and upper back spasms

Treatment:

• Dental splint that helps keep the teeth in alignment and prevents tooth grinding.
• Physical therapy with the jaw.
• Trigger point acupuncture.
• Botox to help relax the muscles of the jaw.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above see your dentist right away!