Jaw pain? You might have TMJ/TMD
- Posted on: Feb 15 2018
If you have pain or tenderness on your face or a clicking and popping sound when you open your mouth, you may have Temporomandibular Disorder, also known as TMJ/TMD. These are just two of the many symptoms connected to TMD. First, let’s address what TMD is.
What causes TMD?
The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that links the temporal bones of the skull to your jaw. It allows you to move the jaw side to side and up and down. If you have problems with the muscles that control your jaw, you may have TMD. The exact cause of TMD is unknown, but dentists concur that issues appear from problems in the muscles or joint of the jaw. TMD can be caused by whiplash, clenching the teeth, grinding the teeth, arthritis in the joint, stress, or movement of the disc between the ball and socket of the joint.
What are the symptoms?
TMD can cause mild to severe pain and discomfort. In some cases, it may last many years and affect one or both sides of the face. It is more common in women and people between the ages of 20 and 40. Symptoms include:
- Pain in the face, jaw area, neck shoulders, or around the ear when you speak, chew or open the mouth wide.
- Problems were opening the mouth wide and feeling tired in the face.
- Swelling on the side of the face, or feeling like the teeth don’t fit well together.
- The sound of clicking, popping, or grating when you open or close your mouth.
- Jaws that get “locked” in the open or closed position.
- Headaches, toothaches, neck aches, earaches, or dizziness.
At home and in office treatments
There are several at home remedies you can use to help ease the pain and discomfort caused by TMD. First, avoid excessive or extreme jaw movements. Don’t rest or chin in your hand and always keep your teeth barely apart. Learn relaxation methods to loosen your jaw. Massage or physical therapy can work wonders with helping the face and jaw relax. If these do not work, other methods like a splint, dental work, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) might be used.
Schedule a consultation
If you think you have TMD, schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Covell today. You can reach our team located in Pasadena, Texas, by calling 713.943.9832.
Posted in: TMJ | TMD Treatment
