TMJ Awareness Month 2021
TMJ Awareness Month is in November! Though TMJ is rather prevalent, many people are misdiagnosed and their symptoms are attributed to other issues. Do you get stress headaches that you can’t explain? Do your shoulders, neck, and jaw hurt when you wake up? It’s possible that you’re having trouble speaking or chewing your meal. TMJ problem is frequently indicated by these symptoms.
It is critical to see a TMJ professional in order to successfully treat TMJ problem. Your Easton PA dentist will work with you to ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and that the appropriate treatment is provided.
What is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an important part of allowing you the freedom of movement in your jaw when you are eating and speaking. This joint connects your jaw to your skull, on either side of your head. Also, it functions very much like a hinge to ensure your smooth movement when you eat or speak.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can occur if the joint is injured, eroded, misaligned, or inflamed. When you visit our Easton, PA dental practice, you will be able to get a thorough examination to evaluate the extent of the inflammation or damage to your TMJ.
How Serious is TMJ Disorder?
It can be easy to think that mild discomfort resulting from TMD is not really all that concerning. However, it is important not to ignore any dysfunction of your TMJ. Today’s mild discomfort may turn into tomorrow’s accelerated pain.
Additionally, some of the symptoms that may start to become a concern include the following.
- Pain in the jaw that makes it difficult to speak or chew
- Locking in the jaw, which results in difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Radiating ear pain, along with tension headaches and migraines
- Stiffness or pain in the neck and shoulders
Discussing these concerns with your family dentist in Easton, PA, patients will learn is a good way to get to the bottom of your discomfort.
The Causes of TMD
Dr. Moghadam says there could be several contributing factors to TMJ disorder. Also, you may have just one concern factoring into your TMD discomfort or more than one that could be pinpointed as being an area of concern.
- An injury to the TMJ
- High levels of stress
- Bite misalignment, or orthodontic treatment to correct misalignment
- Bruxism
- Arthritis or other illnesses
It is best to address concerns in their earliest stages, to avoid minor discomfort from becoming a major disruption to your quality of life.
Solutions for TMJ Pain
If you have been living with the symptoms of TMD, and have been misdiagnosed, your dentist 18042 will recommend a solution that meets your needs. Our friend Dr. Beth Herko, a family dentist in New Providence, says it is important to treat the root cause of your TMD and not just treat the symptoms that you are experiencing.
Treatment could include jaw exercises, reductions in stress, and even a mouth guard that repositions your jaw while you are asleep.
When it comes to your dental needs, you can rely on us to find the right solution. Contact College Hill Dental Group to learn more about how TMD treatments can improve your life.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
