What Causes TMD?

    SACRAMENTO, CA, March 02, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJ) is the name given to any of several disorders that result in a misalignment of the jaw. TMD may have several symptoms including:

- Popping or clicking in the jaw
- Limited jaw mobility or complete lockjaw
- Pain around the jaw
- Uneven tooth wear
- Tooth sensitivity
- Neck aches
- Chronic headaches
- Ear ringing

Because many of these symptoms are also possible with other medical and dental disorders, it is not uncommon for TMD to remain undetected. During your biannual cleanings and examinations with an experienced dentist, your jaw will be evaluated for signs of TMD. However, if you experience any of the symptoms of this disorder, you should contact a neuromuscular dentist right away for an evaluation.

TMD Causes

Some of the most common causes of TMD include:
- Teeth grinding
- Trauma to the jaw
- Previous dental work
- Infections
- Autoimmune disorders
- Arthritis
- Malocclusion
- Overuse of the jaw

In many cases, the exact cause of TMD is unknown. This makes seeing your dentist twice a year for examinations that much more important. It is during these examinations that TMD can easily be detected and a proper treatment plan can be established.

Treating TMD

To treat TMD, your dentist will need to determine the proper alignment of your jaw. This can be done with computerized mapping software and hand-on evaluations. Your dentist may use a TNES unit to relax the muscles in your jaw prior to determining alignment. This unit not only allows your dentist to better determine alignment, but can also instantly relieve muscle pain and headaches caused by TMD.

Once your jaw's optimal alignment is determined, your dentist will customize a TMD treatment option for you. This may include over-the-counter medications that will reduce inflammation of involved tissues, restorative dental work, orthodontic appliances, or the use of a mouthguard. The option that will best realign your jaw and provide you with relief can be determined by a neuromuscular dentist.

Left untreated, TMD may result in substantial pain in and around your head and problems with jaw functions such as chewing and speech. What's more, TMD has been linked to postural issues as your jaw pulls on adjacent muscles. This, in turn, can rob internal organs of vital oxygen and create much larger, whole-body problems. Working with an experienced neuromuscular dentist in your area, your TMD can easily be treated and you can avoid potential long-term problems.

If you live in or around Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Lincoln, Stockton, or Modesto, California and would like additional information about TMD, please visit the website of Advanced Dental Concepts to learn more at www.hightechsmiles.com.

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