TMJ Disorders
Fife Dental Careis concerned with the overall health of your teeth and gums, and that goes beyond routine cleanings and filling cavities. A healthy mouth is one that functions correctly and without pain. Correcting dentition errors and issues with the teeth and jaws can provide you with greater oral health and provide relief from headaches and other secondary problems.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joints are the hinges on either side of your head that allow you to open and close your mouth. They work together to make it possible to chew, speak and swallow. The joints are supported by muscles, tendons and ligaments that provide the lower jaw (mandible) with forward, backward, and side-to-side motion.
Any disorder of the bones, muscles, ligaments and other tissues of the joint can be considered a TMJ disorder. Common issues include arthritis, alignment problems and chronic teeth grinding, which can lead to inflammation and pain in the TMJ.
Treatments of TMJ Disorders
Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- Clicking and popping of the joint.
- Tenderness and inflammation near the joint.
- Stiffness and difficulty moving the jaw.
- Chronic headaches and neck pain.
An examination can provide a more thorough diagnosis of the underlying cause of your pain. For many people, TMJ disorders arise from teeth grinding while sleeping; in these cases, special mouth guards can provide relief. Other issues may be solved through changes in diet, dental alignment correction, exercises to strengthen jaw muscles, and certain medications.
If you experience any symptoms of TMJ disorder, contact Fife Dental Care today to schedule an appointment for an examination and consultation.