TMJ: Jaw-dropping Facts!

• Do you often wake up with an ache in your jaw or face?
• Does your jaw sometimes feel stiff when you try to open and close your mouth?
• Do you have sensitive or worn-down teeth?
• Does your jaw make a clicking or popping sound when you chew?

If so, it is possible that you have TMJ Disorder. This condition is often referred to simply as TMJ, which is the acronym used to describe the Temporomandibular Joint. If this joint becomes stressed and inflamed, TMJ Disorder can develop.

Patients usually fall into two categories:

• Pain. The reason that TMJ disorder often leads to pronounced discomfort in the mornings is that most people clench their jaws when they sleep. Sometimes patients also have limited mobility in the jaw. TMJ addresses facial pain and problems such as chronic pain in the head, neck, and shoulders – and even ringing in the ears.
• Excessive wear. This problem is also associated with clenching and grinding. Sometimes sensitivity and undue wear are the problems that we notice during routine dental visits.

Many people who suffer from TMJ disorder can experience a significant decrease in symptoms from wearing a comfortable, convenient nightguard appliance, custom-fit to their mouth. This nightguard resembles mouthpieces worn by athletes. The purpose of nightly wear is to create a buffer against the excessive force of clenching and grinding, reducing stress on temporomandibular joints. If you are experiencing anything described, call today to schedule for a consult! (662)236-5858.