TMD
Some of the symptoms of TMD are:
- Pain when opening or closing your mouth
- Difficulty chewing
- Jaw becoming stuck open or shut
- Headaches or ear pain
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth
- Teeth Grinding
- Restrictions in jaw movements
- A change in how your teeth come together
Teeth grinding is an especially problematic symptom because it can lead to further problems. Prolonged teeth grinding, or bruxism, can cause enamel to wear off teeth and expose dentin. Dentin is softer than enamel and more susceptible to decay. Sensitivity to hot and cold food or drink may also develop from excessive teeth grinding.
If you suspect you may have TMD, come in for a consultation. We can help diagnose you and provide relief for your symptoms. Pain relievers and hot/cold compresses are short term methods to provide relief for pain symptoms. In very severe cases of TMD, surgery may be required, but non-surgical options such as behavioral treatments to change the way you use your jaw muscles are always explored first and are extremely successful.