A temporomandibular disorder (also known as TMD, for short) can cause jaw pain and facial pain. The joint where the pain occurs is where the lower jaw connects to the skull near the ear on each side of your head. When you have jaw pain, it can be very unpleasant and can make things such as chewing, talking, and yawning very uncomfortable. Some indicators that you may have TMD include:
- Tenderness or pain near the jaw, the ear, or the neck and shoulders when you use your jaw for speaking, eating, or yawning.
- If your jaw locks up on you, whether open or closed.
- Swelling in the face.
- Difficulty chewing or a bite that becomes suddenly misaligned.
- Headaches, neck aches, earaches, and dizziness.
Stress is generally the cause of TMD because it can cause people to grind or clench their teeth in their sleep, putting pressure on the joint or wearing down the disc between the joint and the bone.
If your Annapolis family dentist diagnoses you with TMD, there is something that s/he can do to help you be more comfortable and get your jaw back where it’s supposed to be. Night guards are a great cure for TMD and can give you relief very quickly. At Annapolis Dental Care, we prefer to use the Aqualizer Ultra bite splints for our patients. We can also create sport mouth guards for those that cause TMD due to athletic clenching. Your Annapolis family dentist can help you become more comfortable and cure your TMD with a new night guard. Make an appointment today!
If you have any questions about TMD or night guards, or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Annapolis Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today! Our diligent knowledge of all dental treatments and extensive experience in all fields of dentistry, ensure Annapolis Dental is best suited to care for your oral health. You can also follow Annapolis Dental Care on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
Source: Tempromandibular Disorders