Headaches and Jaw Popping? It Could Be TMJ
Could you have a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), commonly referred to as TMJ? Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have frequent headaches?
- Does your jaw pop or click when you speak or eat?
- Do you wake up each morning with jaw, neck or ear pain?
If you answered yes and are tired of living in pain in Frisco or Little Elm, you could have a problem with your temporomandibular joints. In many cases, some lifestyle changes can help alleviate your discomfort. For more serious cases, Dr. Dunia Korous at Millennium Smiles can offer a variety of advanced technology therapies to alleviate your pain or correct the underlying issue.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints are the jaw muscles and joints that allow you to open and close your mouth. These muscles and joints control your lower jaw’s movement, forward and backward and side to side. Any problems with this intricate system can cause pain.
What are the causes of TMJ disorders?
Potential causes of a TMJ disorder include:
- Injury
- Teeth grinding
- Stress
- Injury or dislocation
- Arthritis
- Bite alignment
What lifestyle changes can help TMJ?
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends people with TMJ-related pain try:
- Eating soft foods
- Using ice packs
- Utilize relaxation techniques to relieve stress and relax the jaw muscles
- Avoid extreme jaw movements such as wide yawns and gum chewing
What TMJ treatments are available at Millennium Smiles?
Dr. Korous will examine your mouth and jaw to look for signs of imbalance or instability that can be the underlying cause of your TMJ problem.
Depending on your needs, Dr. Korous may recommend:
Mouth guard or splint therapy: A custom mouth guard or splint may be a first option to identify a more comfortable bite position.
Bite correction: Bite correction utilizes restorative dental treatments to bring the teeth into proper contact.
Orthodontics: In some cases, Dr. Korous may recommend orthodontic treatments to straighten misaligned teeth and restore balance to your bite.
If you’re suffering from TMJ pain, give our office a call today to schedule a consultation.