When your jaw joint (TMJ) doesn't function properly, it can cause significant discomfort and many other symptoms. Sometimes, it results in a TMJ disorder called temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Many factors contribute to TMD and TMJ pain, including:
- Chronic stress or anxiety
- Tooth clenching or grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw joint inflammation
- Bite misalignment
- Facial trauma
- Sleep apnea
Understanding TMD and its Symptoms
If you suffer from TMD, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:
- Jaw joint locking open or closed
- Earaches or ear pain
- Pain or tenderness when chewing
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Frequent headaches
TMD may cause multiple symptoms, which can be quite debilitating for some patients.
Treating TMD at Clarkson Dental Group
TMD treatment varies by patient, depending on what's causing their TMD. Getting to the root cause is the best way to help patients find consistent relief.
For example, we may recommend stress management techniques or jaw exercises if anxiety is the cause of your TMD. In other cases, orthodontic treatment may correct bite misalignment.
If bruxism causes your TMD, Dr. Mahlin may recommend a custom night guard to wear while you sleep.
Please reach out to our team for more information or request an online evaluation with Dr. Mahlin to learn more about treating a TMJ disorder.