Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
TMD can cause pain and problems with the muscles of your jaw and neck. It can also affect other parts of your body, such as the ears and shoulders. Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, or clicking or popping when you open your mouth or chew. TMD can get worse during times of stress. It can be hard to diagnose TMD because the symptoms vary a lot and can look like other health problems. Your healthcare provider will check your symptoms and do a physical exam. They will ask you about any past injuries or illnesses that might be related to TMD, and if you have had trouble opening your mouth wide or moving your jaw. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, may be used to find the source of your TMD.Check this out:https://baybreezedentistry.com/
Treatment Options for TMD: Finding the Right Solution for
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your lower jaw, or mandible, to the temporal bone of your skull on each side. Each joint has a cushioning disk and two large pairs of muscles that move the jaw. When your TMJs are healthy, you can close your jaw smoothly and chew food easily. TMD can occur when the disk moves out of place or the jaw muscles are tight. This can be caused by a blow to the head or jaw, teeth grinding or clenching, arthritis in the TMJ, or other medical conditions such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.
In most cases, your doctor will recommend conservative treatments to ease your TMD symptoms. These include resting your jaw, physical therapy, medicines, occlusal splints, and behavioral approaches. These are generally safe and effective, especially if you start early in the treatment process.
