January 28th, 2015
How many of you have heard snap, crackle, or pop when you open your mouth? And no, I’m not talking about when you are eating a delicious bowl of Rice Krispies cereal. I am reffering the the sounds associated with temporomandibular dysfunction.
The cause of TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) is unknown in many cases. Trauma to the jaw or joint may play a role in the development of TMJ disorders. In addition, there are other health conditions that may contribute to the development of these disorders. These include: arthritis that develops in the joint, erosion of the joint, clenching and grinding of the teeth, and birth defects.
Symptoms of TMD can vary but normally include clicking and popping, facial pain, change in the way teeth fit together, stiffness of jaw, limited movement of jaw, and even lock jaw.
TMJ can be treated in several ways. Once diagnosed, a specific treatment plan will be put together. These options could include:
• Medications to help reduce the pain of the disorder (such as ibuprofen)
• Medications to relax the muscles of the jaw (such as Flexeril, Soma, And Valium)
• Medications to help reduce swelling in the jaw (corticosteroid drugs)
• Stabilization splints or bite guards to prevent teeth grinding
• Botox to reduce tension in the muscle and nerves of the jaw
• Cognitive-behavioural therapy to help reduce stress
• And in rare cases, surgery
Please call us at Lima Dental Associates to help you with all of your TMD needs.
And as always,
Keep smiling, sharing, and caring!