What is TMD?

    CHICAGO, IL, March 07, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. The TMJ attaches the lower jaw to the skull and it can move up and down, from side to side, and forward and back. The TMJ is the most complex joint in the human body and its proper function allows us to eat, swallow, speak, and yawn.

TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. This is a broad term and can refer to any disease or disorder that occurs in the jaw joint. Some of the symptoms of TMD are:

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Pain in the face or jaw
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Locking of the jaw
• Neck, shoulder, back or arm pain
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Pain or ringing in the ears
• Cracked, chipped or worn teeth
• Swelling on the side of the face

Causes and Treatment of TMD

The causes of TMD are not very well known because the disorder is so broad and varies from person to person. Some of the causes that have been shown to lead to TMD are:

• Suffering an accident where you received whiplash or were hit in the face with an object
• Stress, which can lead to clenching or grinding your teeth
• Eating foods that require your mouth to open too wide may cause ligaments in your TMJ to tear
• Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint

TMD can be treated with the help of an experienced neuromuscular dentist. They will do a thorough exam of your mouth, bite, and joint as well as talk to you about your history with TMD. Some of the treatment options can include:

• Pain medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription, to be used as your dentist prescribes
• Jaw stretching and relaxation exercises that you can do at home and at work
• A biteplate or mouth guard, which is one of the most common forms of treatment for TMD
• Adjustment of the bite by filing the teeth to fit together properly
• Repositioning the jaw
• Dental work, such as crowns or bridges to help correct and balance the bite
• In very rare cases, surgical procedures can be done, such as a TMJ replacement, but this is an extreme case.

Thankfully, with the help of a neuromuscular dentist, your TMD can be treated. There is no reason to live a painful life any longer. If you are in the Chicago area, please contact Colonial Dental Group for a complimentary consultation.

Source: Colonial Dental Group
Website: http://www.colonialdentalgroup.com

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