What Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for “temporomandibular joint.” It is the joint that connects your upper jaw to your lower jaw. Often, people confuse TMJ with the term TMD.
What Is TMD?
TMD stands for “temporomandibular disorder.” This disorder affects your TMJ and can cause you a lot of discomfort. Thankfully, there are treatments that can relieve your TMD symptoms.
5 Signs That You Have TMD
- Jaw Ache | You may notice that when you talk, chew, open and close your mouth, your jaw hurts. This is probably the most common symptom of TMD.
- “Clicking” of Your Jaw | When you open and close your mouth, you may notice that your jaw “clicks”.
- Limited Movement | You may be unable to completely open your mouth, or to move your jaw in certain directions.
- Spasms | You may find that the muscle around your jaw spasms and twitches.
- Inflammation | The area around your jaw may be hot and swollen.
5 Causes of TMD
- Grinding Your Teeth: This happens most often while you sleep, but can also be caused by anxiety throughout the day. If you find yourself grinding your teeth often, it may lead to symptoms of TMD.
- Arthritis: Arthritis can affect any joint, including your TMJ.
- Dental Surgery: Some surgeries can affect your jaw and cause TMD.
- Infections: There has been a connection found between suffering from infections and the symptoms of TMD.
- Face Injury: Injury to your face can cause TMD.
Benefits of Treating TMD
The largest benefit of treating TMD is alleviating the discomfort. You also reduce the risk of damaging your neighboring teeth. The damage to your teeth comes from all the teeth grinding you might be doing while you sleep. When you treat TMD, you may also find it easier to chew your food.
What Is the Treatment for TMD?
Our main treatment for TMD is the “splint.” A splint, or night guard, is a small plastic device made from a mold of your teeth. You slip it on before bed, and it prevents your teeth from grinding together at night. Stopping your teeth from grinding not only protects your teeth from further wear and tear, but it also reduces the stress on your TMJ and alleviates the pain that spreads through your body as a result from a strained jaw joint.
Are You Ready To Treat TMD?
We here at Bloomfield Dental Group are ready to treat your TMD symptoms! TMD is more common than you might think, and there are options available to address those uncomfortable symptoms. Allow us to help. Call for your appointment today!