Be Free From Jaw Discomfort And Headaches
Do you frequently wake in the morning and experience headaches? Or do you find yourself avoiding certain foods because chewing causes discomfort in your jaw? If so, you may be experiencing common symptoms of a condition known as TMD.
TMD, the abbreviation for temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that develops and involves the facial muscles and jaw joints. This condition affects the temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that attaches your jaw to your skull, and if it becomes misaligned, it can lead to discomfort and leave lasting effects that can negatively impact your quality of life.
Symptoms of TMD
Unfortunately, many patients who suffer from TMD remain undiagnosed. A number of the symptoms are similar to sensations you may experience with other conditions. For example, one of the symptoms can be upper shoulder pain. Patients often mention they thought they had slept funny or pulled a muscle while exercising and didn’t realize it could have been caused by an issue in the jaw. Other symptoms commonly found with TMD can include:
- Frequent headaches
- Jaw tenderness or discomfort
- Toothaches
- Earaches and ringing in the ears
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide
- Clicking or popping sound when opening the mouth
- Difficulty chewing
We Can Help!
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, we can help you! During a visit to our office, we will perform an evaluation to determine the location and cause of your discomfort. We will take a number of X-rays, including a 360° panoramic X-ray that will show the movement of the jaw and the placement of the teeth and jaw when you bite. The examination will determine the severity of your case, and we can recommend a treatment plan to decrease or eliminate symptoms.
If TMD conditions are not treated, symptoms could worsen over time. If you live in or around the St. Marys, GA area and are experiencing any of these symptoms or are interested in learning more about TMD, please contact our office today. We look forward to seeing you soon.
