Tmd Symptoms

TMD, also called TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a misaligned bite - or in other words, a misaligned jaw joint. It has numerous symptoms, many of which would not appear to have a dental cause at all. TMD is diagnosed through neuromuscular dentistry, using specialized technology which a general dentist does not possess.

The temporomandibular joints are in front of the ears. They connect the jawbone (called the mandible') to the skull. They are small but complex joints, because they can move in three directions. They move up and down, sideways, and forward and back. A cartilage disc is in between the upper and lower bones, and acts like a shock absorber to keep the bones from grinding against each other

TMD symptoms

·         Severe and chronic headaches, often considered as migraines

·         Neck pain

·         Jaw pain and soreness

·         Jaw or neck stiffness

·         Tooth grinding or clenching

·         Facial or forehead pain

·         Scalp tenderness

·         Mouth, face, cheek, or chin pain

·         Dizziness

·         Tongue pain

·         Clicking or popping noises when you open your mouth

·         Severe wear and tear of the teeth

·         Teeth fractures

·         Tooth loss

What causes TMD?

Causes are not well-understood. They include:

·         Genetic factors

·         Tooth grinding (which can also be a symptom)

·         Strong blows or impacts to the side of the head, as might occur in a sports or auto accident

·         Misaligned teeth, which compel the lower jaw to move incorrectly, gradually moving the joint out of alignment

Unfortunately, many people do not realize that their painful symptoms may be caused by TMD, so a visit to the dentist is not the first place they go for relief. By the time they arrive at a neuromuscular dentist's office, their TMD may have been going on for some time, and may have worsened from lack of treatment.

A dentist trained in Neuromuscular Dentistry is the person who can analyze your symptoms and determine if TMD is the cause. Determining the cause is the first step in beginning effective treatment. The goal of TMD treatment is to permanently restore your bite to its most relaxed position, thereby alleviating your pain.