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Alternative Solutions for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Alternative Solutions for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is commonly called TMJ. TMJ is actually the name of the joints that attach your upper jaw to your bottom jaw. If you have a problem with your TMJ, it is technically referred to as TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

Clenching and grinding are just a couple signs that you may be suffering from TMD.

Other symptoms to watch for include:

  • Jaw pain
  • Tenderness in your jaw
  • TMJ pain
  • Ear pain
  • Pain or difficulty when eating
  • Facial aching
  • Locking TMJ
  • Difficulty when opening and closing your mouth

Other signs you may be suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder include grating or clicking sounds when you chew or open your mouth and limited jaw movement. According to your dentist in Pasadena, if you are not in pain you probably aren’t suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

Although no one knows the exact cause of TMD, there are contributing factors including jaw injuries, arthritis, and genetics.

People who are highly stressed often clench and grind their teeth. Chronic bruxism could result in problems with your Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is more common if:

  • Damage to the joint has occurred
  • There is arthritis damage
  • You have disk erosion
  • Your jaw has been hit and damaged

You are at risk for TMD if you are suffering from a jaw injury, clench and grind your teeth or suffer from osteoarthritis or other types of arthritis. If you have been diagnosed with connective tissue disease, your TMJ could be affected.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatment

Once you have been diagnosed with TMD, your doctor may recommend over the counter or prescription medications. Muscle relaxants, meditation, and physical therapy have also been used for TMD.

Dr. Paul Shinto and his team of Pasadena Dentists recommend occlusal appliances such as mouth guards and oral splints for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

If you are suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or believe you could be, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Pasadena. As preferred oral appliance therapy for TMD providers, the team will help you find a comfortable solution.

Call for an appointment today.