What is TMD?

TMJ Treatment Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, commonly referred to as TMD, is a dental condition often referred to as TMJ. TMJ is actually the name of the joint in question. The jaw is lined with highly complex joints and muscles rife with tiny nerve endings. There is plenty that can go wrong with this portion of the body. Conditions like TMD have the potential to be quite painful.

TMD Pain

Those who have TMD commonly complain of earaches, headaches, nausea, neck pain, fatigue and numbness in the extremities. Oftentimes, these symptoms manifest prior to the point in time at which the patient is aware of the fact that the jaw is involved. In fact, some patients will receive treatment for a problem seemingly independent of the jaw when TMD is the true culprit. TMD tends to impact women more than men. Scientists think women's estrogen impacts inflammation and subsequently spurs TMD. This condition brings along chronic pains such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.

What Causes TMD?

TMD¹ is caused by the clenching and/or grinding of the teeth. Plenty of people respond to stress by clenching their teeth. Some grind their teeth when stressed. Clenching and grinding the teeth are natural reactions that occur without conscious thought. However, there are causes of TMD beyond teeth grinding. Additional TMD causes include facial trauma, muscle spasms stemming from fatigue and tension in the neck and jaw resulting from sleeping in the wrong position or another event.

TMD Treatment

In most cases, TMD is best treated by clinicians who are willing to invest the effort and time necessary to analyze the patient's entire medical history including stress, sleep problems, and life issues. If necessary, scans should be performed. TMD can only be cured if it is an orthopedic problem spurred by something such as contact with the face. Most dentists agree the optimal way to treat TMD is with methods designed to decrease the patient's discomfort and pain.

Patients have found TMD relief through a variety of treatments including painkillers, a diet of soft food, heat, jaw exercises and beyond. Certain patients enjoyed relief from a customized nighttime bite guard that prevents teeth grinding and TMD. This plastic device really does stop the patient from clenching and grinding. The bite guard encourages the muscles and joints to settle down and ultimately prevent destructive contact.

TMD and Sleep

The majority of TMD patients have at least a bit of neuropathic pain, meaning pain that is set in the brain as opposed to tissue that has endured trauma. Therapy designed to mitigate anxiety and/or techniques to mitigate stress such as medication can help treat this form of TMD. Furthermore, enhancing sleep has the potential to help as well. Some patients find visiting with a sleep specialist for advice proves helpful. Improving sleep involves pain management as well as strategies to prevent destructive habits such as teeth grinding. In certain cases, interventions with physical therapy that relax the neck and face help treat TMD.

TMD Diagnosis

You cannot diagnose TMD on your own. Just like most other oral health issues, TMD must be diagnosed by an experienced dentist. The dentist will listen to the noises your jaw makes. The dentist will also be on the lookout for odd jaw movements. This oral health expert will examine the jaw for proper functionality by requesting you repeatedly open and close it. The dentist will also ensure the facial muscles move as they should. The teeth will be checked for grinding and clenching. X-rays might also be taken to provide a comprehensive view of the mouth.

Signs of TMD

Though you will need the dentist's analysis to determine if you have TMD, there are some signs of TMD every patient should be aware of. Those who have issues with chewing might be plagued by TMD. It does not matter if the issues with chewing are consistent or sporadic. If there is any discomfort when chewing, meet with the dentist right away. Furthermore, any new issues with the teeth should also be analyzed by the dentist. If the teeth are not fitting together as they should, TMD might be the cause. Though the misalignment might be a bit subtle, it is still there and must be remedied.

Patients who endure a pulsating pain in the mouth, jaw and/or general neck area might have TMD. In many cases, this pulsating pain is the first sign of TMD. Such a pain typically moves through the face to the jaw. The severity of the pain hinges on the extent to which the joint is damaged. In some cases, the pain becomes a harsh headache. In extreme cases, lockjaw will occur. This is quite the alarming sign of TMD. Lockjaw keeps the jaw stuck in position, whether it is open or closed. Finally, TMD can spur feelings of tenderness along the jaw. Tenderness is typically an indication of even more painful symptoms yet there are some instances in which it is merely a signal that the disorder exists.

Schedule an Appointment at Fine Dentistry of Downtown Orlando

If you have TMD, would like to learn more about TMD or need dental services of any type, contact² Fine Dentistry today. You can reach our office at (407) 777-2071.