TMJ disorder, or TMD, can be painful, and it can slowly destroy your teeth. November is TMJ Awareness Month, so now is a great time to learn about the symptoms and treatments of TMJ disorder.
Do you have TMJ disorder?
Your temporomandibular joints connect your jaw to the temporal bone of your skull. The joints allow movement of the jaw so that you can talk, chew, and open and close your mouth. When the joints become misaligned, the resulting imbalance is a disorder known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). People with TMD may notice any of the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Jaw pain
- Jaw popping
- Jaw clicking
- Jaw or face cramps
- Earaches
- Facial muscle pain or tension
- Difficulty chewing
- Toothaches
- Neck pain
- Dizziness
- Worn teeth
Dangers of TMD
TMJ disorder can be caused by injury, teeth grinding, and other conditions. If not treated, TMD can significantly impact quality of life. You may suffer with pain that ranges from troublesome to debilitating, and constant teeth grinding will lead to serious dental problems.
If you experience any TMD symptoms, contact Dr. Michael Young for a TMJ assessment. He can determine the cause of your problem and suggest treatment options, like a mouth guard to prevent grinding and clenching, orthodontics to re-establish good occlusion, or physical therapy and habit changes. Contact our dental office in Lafayette, LA at 337-237-6453 to relieve your TMJ discomfort.