TMD: Symptoms and Solutions

If you find yourself waking up with a tension headache every morning or feel your jaw clicking while you chew, you may need to be evaluated for TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. This is a disorder that involves problems with your TMJ, or the joint that attaches the jawbone to the skull. Your TMJ is what enables you to chew and speak comfortable. If this joint is irritated or inflamed, you may experience the following TMD symptoms:

• Jaw soreness
• Jaw joint stiffness or “locking”
• Frequent tension headaches
• Uneven bite
• Ear pain

Where should you go when you are experiencing TMJ problems? Your dentist! TMD can originate from a variety of problems, including those that involve your teeth alignment, bruxism (teeth grinding) and others. Your dentist can recommend the most effective solution that is customized for your case. For example, a nighttime oral appliance can prevent teeth clenching and grinding, which can aggravate the TMJ. Other patients may need orthodontic treatment to realign their bite and alleviate TMJ dysfunction.

Serious Setbacks of Untreated TMJ Disorder

Leaving TMD untreated is more than just living with its disruptive symptoms. A slight discomfort can easily turn into crippling pain if not addressed properly. Losing your ability to eat and speak comfortably is a profound detriment to your quality of life. Furthermore, TMJ problems can be associated with sleep disturbances, and a lack of quality sleep can impact your overall health. Lastly, untreated TMD may cause early wear and tear on your teeth, resulting in the eventual need for expensive restorative work or tooth replacement.

A Jaw Pain Dentist in Liberty Lake

Letting your dentist address your TMJ problems sooner rather than later is an investment worth making. It can prevent more costly treatments in the future as well as improve your comfort and well being. At Liberty Lake Smile Source, we proudly offer the latest non-invasive treatment methods for TMD. We carefully evaluate your condition and provide a tailored solution to alleviate your symptoms.