When is a headache, more than a headache? If it is accompanied by neck and ear pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking noises in the jaw, you could be suffering from a more serious condition, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. These important joints are located on either side of your face to help regulate your facial muscles and jaw movement.TMJ disorders are a group of degenerative conditions resulting from strained and damaged temporomandibular joints. For your TMJ disorder evaluation, make an appointment with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin at Donald Marks Family Dentistry today. Dr. Marks is an experienced general and restorative dentist that can help you get to the root of the problem. Donald Marks Family Dentistry is conveniently located on University Drive and provides quality dental care to patients of all ages throughout State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, and Hollidaysburg.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorders typically fall into one of three categories:
- Myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD) syndrome– pain at the TMJ due to various causes of increased muscle tension and spasm. It is believed that MPD syndrome is a physical manifestation of psychological stress. Pain is secondary to events such as nocturnal jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Treatment is focused on behavioral modification as opposed to joint repair.
- Internal derangement (ID)– where the problem lies within the joint itself, most commonly with the position of the articulating disc, usually resulting from facial injury.
- Degenerative joint disease– where arthritic changes result in degeneration of the joint and muscles.
Common TMJ Disorder Symptoms
- Radiating pain in the ear and jaw that gets worse when chewing
- Locking of the jaw
- Ear clicking or popping
- Headache and/or neck ache
- A bite that feels uncomfortable or different from usual
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Bruxism, teeth clenching
- Increasing pain over the course of your day
- A history of jaw or facial trauma
State College, PA TMJ Disorder Therapy from Donald Marks Family Dentistry
Dr. Marks can offer immediate and non- invasive TMJ disorder relief with custom-made nightguards and bite appliances to stop and reverse TMJ disorder damage. Don’t put off the TMJ disorder therapy you need any longer. Make an appointment with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin at Donald Marks Family Dentistry today. Donald Marks Family Dentistry proudly serves families throughout State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, Hollidaysburg, and the surrounding communities.
If you are an athlete or you lead an athletic lifestyle, your physical fitness is a top priority. Yet many athletes don’t realize that 
Now that a new semester is here, students are gearing up for studying, note taking, and meeting tons of new people. With each new semester comes a new slate, and wanting to make the best first impression possible is very important. Whether it is a fellow student or your favorite professor, making sure you look your best is crucial. If your smile is less than dazzling, you may find it hard to be confident in the way you look, and can negatively affect the way you interact with the people around you. Having a stained smile is never esthetically pleasing, and 
No one can underestimate the power and benefits of a restful night’s sleep. When we sleep, our body is able to rest and our brains are able to recharge itself to prepare for the next day’s adventures. Unfortunately, having the opportunity to have the recommended amount of sleep each night is few and far between for some, and can be detrimental on many levels. Many people suffer from sleep apnea, prohibiting them from being as coherent and restful and they would like. Thankfully, 
Many people underestimate the importance of biannual dental checkups. Though some think that the only time they should see their dentist is when a problem arises, that could not be further from the truth. By looking at the state of your smile every six months, we are able to prevent issues from arising as well as treat any existing problems. 
With summer knocking at your door, many people are doing everything they can to make sure they look their absolute best for the summer season. Whether it is buying the best food for the barbeque or going to the gym to get ready for the beach, many people want to have as much fun and feel as confident inside and out. If you have teeth missing from your smile, you may find it difficult to find confidence in the way you look. You are sure to reconnect with old friends and meet many new people this summer season, so making the best impression is important. 
People often forget that to have a healthy result, one must have a healthy foundation. Many people believe that as long as your teeth are straight and white, they are healthy. Unfortunately, not much attention is paid to the gums, which are the most crucial contributors to a healthy smile. Gum (periodontal) disease is when your gums are under attack, and it can result in unhealthy teeth. Our experienced 
Does your smile need extra help? Most smiles do, eventually, whether because of decay, an injury, or another reason entirely.
Sleep apnea is a common but underdiagnosed condition in which patients stop breathing for 10 seconds or more while asleep. Often, patients who struggle with sleep apnea also snore loudly and all throughout the night. That’s not always the case, but if you or your partner struggles with loud snoring, learning more about sleep apnea—and even seeking a diagnosis from your 
