One of the most common forms of oral disorder seen in the United States, with millions of people affected, is a Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). This condition affects the jaw muscles and can cause significant pain and inconvenience for those suffering from it.
A good Manhattan holistic dentist can potentially help you with TMD and offer treatments that help. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Temporomandibular Disorder?
TMD is a blanket term covering a variety of problems that a person might have with their temporomandibular joints or TMJs. These are the joints on either side of the mouth that connect the lower jawbone to the rest of the skull and are vital to any activities a person might do with their mouth, such as talking or chewing. So, any issues with this joint, or the muscles attached to it, can cause significant problems in someone’s day to day life!
What Are the Symptoms of TMD?
TMD can manifest in many different ways, with a wide range of possible symptoms. The most common symptom is simply pain, ranging from mild to severe when moving the jaw. However, symptom can also include:
- Loud clicking, popping or grinding sounds when moving the jaw
- The jaw becoming locked in an open or closed position
- A feeling that the teeth aren’t lined up correctly when chewing
- Pain across the face, headaches, or pain in shoulder muscles
- A constant feeling of tiredness around the jaw or front of your ears
- Facial pain, especially when moving the jaw joint
- Dizziness, earaches, or tinnitus
- Grinding teeth
What Causes TMD?
Science is still researching the causes of TMD, which can make treatment tricky. However, there are several things which have been definitively linked to TMD problems:
- Getting hit in the face.
- TMD is particularly common among athletes in physical sports.
- Teeth grinding, arthritis, stress leading to muscle clenching, herniated disc within the TMJ
What Treatments Are Available For TMD?
Currently, there is no single “magic bullet” treatment for TMD. Most dentists begin by recommending over the counter painkillers, muscle relaxants, modified mouth guards, along with lifestyle adjustments. Often, treatments aimed at relaxing the jaw muscles – such as massages or use of heat packs – can help.
In some cases, the TMD may be caused by other dental conditions, such as misaligned teeth. Dental corrective procedures have been known to cure TMD as a side effect.
Contact Our Dental Wellness Airway.
If you suffer from TMD, there are plenty of treatment options – but you need to talk to an experienced holistic dentist in Manhattan. Contact Dental Wellness Airway Dental for an appointment!