TMJ-TMD

Temporomandibular Disorder

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain and recurring headaches. In many cases, this pain can be explained by a case of Temporomandibular Disorder, also known as TMD.

Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jawbone to your skull. TMJSare used every time you speak, chew, swallow, or yawn and can become overworked. Pain in and around is unpleasant and may even restrict movement depending on the severity of the case.

Symptoms of TMD include:

• Pain in the jaw area
• Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
• Frequent headaches or neck aches
• Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
• Muscle spasms in the jaw area
• A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
• Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth

If you experience any of these, let your doctor know at your next appointment. Your doctor can diagnose you with TMD and design a customized treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms. While most people associate TMD with having braces, many patients get TMD without ever having braces. Symptoms come and go regardless of whether braces are worn.

It is important to remember that not all jaw pain is associated with TMD.

If you suspect that you are suffering from TMD, it is important to schedule an appointment with our office for a thorough exam where Dr. New can determine if your pain and other symptoms are related to TMD. The following is a list of techniques you can use to alleviate any existing pain and prevent TMD flare-ups in the future.

• Relax your face — “Lips together, teeth apart”
• Avoid grinding your teeth
• Avoid all gum chewing
• Avoid holding phone receiver between your head and shoulder — either use a headset or hold the receiver to your ear
• Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
• Do not sit with your chin rested on your hand
• Practice good posture — keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared