Do you wake up in the morning suffering from pain in your jaws constantly? If so, you may have a TMJ disorder. Temporomandibular joint disorder, or a TMJ in State College, is a when your jaw muscles and supporting nerves are malfunctioning because of an injury or misalignment of the temporomandibular joint. You don’t have to suffer from this painstaking malfunction. If you’re seeing relief, consider visiting Donald Marks Family Dentistry.
What is a TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint is the connection located between the jawbone and skull. You can find them on either side of your head near each of your ears. This joint helps your smile stay aligned, helps you eat, and speak correctly.
What exactly is TMJ disorder?
A malfunctioning temporomandibular joint can lead to pain while chewing, clicking and popping of the jaw, swelling of the face, inflammation, earaches, and headaches. But you don’t have to tolerate TMJ disorder pain another day once you come to understand what causes it, the signs, and how to treat it.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
While the exact cause of TMJ disorder is not completely understood. Multiple factors contribute to the muscle tightness and dysfunction that characterize this condition. TMJ disorder is most commonly found among:
- Women aged 18 to 44
- Patients with poor posture in the neck and upper back muscles
- Patients with stress leading to muscle tension and jaw clenching.
- Patients with other chronic inflammatory disorders
- Patients with jaw trauma or malocclusion
- Patients with a genetic predisposition
Common TMJ Disorder Syptoms
Patients experiencing any combination of the following symptoms should make an immediate appointment to have their mouth and jaw evaluated.
- Pain in the jaw and jaw stiffness
- Popping or clicking noises in the jaw
- Earaches, ringing or popping sounds in the ears
- Headaches and blurred vision
- Tight or sore jaw or neck muscles
- Shoulder pain
- Locking or dislocation of the jaw after chewing or yawning
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder
If your seeking help for your oral pain, you’re looking in the right place. Our office offers custom night guards , otherwise known as oral appliances. These are plastic mouthpieces that fit over the upper or lower teeth. They prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming together, which reduces the effects of clenching or grinding the teeth. They help to correct your bite by putting the teeth in contact with the appliance and moving them into their most correct and least traumatic position. Either Dr. Marks or Dr. Martin will discuss the type of mouth guard appliance you may need.
Contact Donald Marks Family Dentistry
When you visit our State College family dentistry practice, Marks Family Dentistry, we can work with you one-on-one to diagnose painful jaw disorders, such as bruxism (teeth grinding) or TMJ. We also offer compassionate dental care by providing custom-made nightguards and bite appliances. If you experience pain in your jaws, face, head, or neck, or if your teeth are sensitive or have unexplained wear, call our State College dental office today to schedule an examination and plan your next step towards pain relief.
