Are you experiencing severe headaches, a clicking or sore jaw, or pain when chewing? These, are just some of the most common symptoms of TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). In this blog, we’ll go over the disorder and its signs and symptoms so that you know what to look out for!
What Is TMD?
TMD is a disorder in which your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) aren’t functioning properly. Your TMJs are the hinges that connect your jaw to your skull. They give your jaw the mobility to move up and down and side to side. Our experienced team of dental professionals can diagnose whether or not you have TMD and create a personalized treatment plan to give you the relief you deserve!
Most Common Symptoms of TMD
Wondering if you’re suffering from TMD? While it’s important to remember that every patient is different, there are a variety of signs that may indicate the disorder, such as:
- Clicking, Popping, or Grating Noises with Jaw Movement
- Difficulty Opening or Closing Your Jaw
- Frequent Headaches
- Lockjaw
- Pain When Chewing, Yawning, or Talking
- Soreness Around Ears
- Swelling on Sides of Face
- Tender or Sore Jaw
What Happens If TMD Is Left Untreated?
While TMD is not necessarily life threatening, it can have a host of negative effects on your health if left untreated. Not only will the painful, uncomfortable symptoms continue, but untreated TMD can also lead to tinnitus (ringing in ears), neck, shoulder, and back pain, depression, debilitating headaches, damage to the TMJs, teeth grinding (which can lead to broken, worn down, or cracked teeth), and more.
If you’re experiencing any of the above signs of TMD, you should consult with a dentist that has experience with gneuromuscular dentistry. The sooner you seek treatment, the better. Our doctors have extensive experience treating patients with gneuromuscular disorders. Please contact our office to schedule your one-on-one consultation!