Have you ever woken with a tight jaw that makes opening your mouth difficult – or even painful? TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is characterized by the sensation that your jaw is “stuck” or “locked.” According to the National Institutes of Health, TMJ disease affects nearly 10 million Americans. So, what are the benefits of TMD Therapy?
What is TMD, and What Are the Symptoms?
The joints that allow our jaws to move are called the temporomandibular joints. We have one on each side of our jaw that connects the skull to the jaw bone. Working together with the muscles and ligaments, both of these joints allow you to speak, chew and bite every day. Having an achy or tight jaw is a good indication of temporomandibular joint disorder. Most people aren’t aware of the symptoms. Below are some signs and symptoms that we encourage you to look out for that indicate TMD.
- Popping noises coming from your jaw when you open your mouth to speak, chew, or bite
- Difficulty and painful chewing
- Achy or sore ears and facial muscles
- Feeling your jaw “lock”
- Facial swelling
All of these signs and symptoms are commonly experienced by someone suffering from TMD, but depending on the severity, patients might experience more painful aches and swelling.
Potential Causes of TMD
Although an apparent cause of TMD has yet to be identified, it is thought that symptoms of TMD arise as a result of abnormalities with the jaw muscles or the temporomandibular joint itself. The following events have been known to cause injury to the joint which leads to TMD:
- Clenching or grinding your teeth can put an extra amount of pressure on the joint, causing it to be damaged
- Experiencing a blow or a hit to the jaw
- Arthritis in the joint
- The movement of the disc that is between the ball and socket portions of the joint
What are the Benefits of TMD Therapy?
The benefits of TMJ treatment include relief from symptoms such as:
- Jaw pain
- Chronic headaches
- Shoulder and neck pain
- Upper back pain
- Chronic grinding of teeth
- Pain when eating
- Chronic tinnitus (ringing in your ear)
- Dizziness
- Chronic fatigue
- Disordered sleeping habits
What are the Treatments of TMD?
The longer TMD goes without being diagnosed and treated with a detailed and customized treatment plan, the more pain and swelling you may experience. It is possible to treat TMD through home care, and Dr. Kyle Losin at Centennial Periodontics & Implants can provide some tips. Some self-treatments include changing your diet, facial stretches, exercises, and relaxation techniques. Participating in these therapies could significantly reduce the pain and swelling you are experiencing.
If the symptoms don’t improve after participating in these techniques, it may be necessary to seek professional treatment. No one should suffer unbearable pain, especially in their jaws. At Centennial Periodontics & Implants, we can help alleviate the pain and frustration of TMD. We use our temporomandibular joints constantly, every day. Having a TMD could affect the quality of your daily life. We encourage you to reach out to our office if you are experiencing any symptoms constantly. Our team of professionals will help diagnose the problem and get you the help you need to continue on your day with ease.
TMD Therapy in Centennial, CO
Reach out to us if you have any questions regarding TMD or the treatments we can offer. Dr. Losin and his dedicated team will help you maintain your oral health and relieve pain.
