People who clench tightly or grind their teeth can sometimes develop a serious problem with their jaw joints (TMJs), which left untreated can adversely affect the teeth, gums and bone structures of the mouth causing intense pain and lead to lockjaw, arthritis and potentially more dental work that is totally preventable!

One of the most common jaw disorders is related to a problem with the temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull near the ears, and allows your upper and lower jaw to open and close and facilitates chewing and speaking.

People with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) often have a clicking or popping sound when opening and closing their mouths. Such disorders are often accompanied by frequent tension headaches/migraines, neck aches, and in some cases, tooth sensitivity.

Our office can teach you the 5 following things to help treat TMD:

TMD include mouth guards (day & night)

Warm compress and massages of sore affected areas

Limit opening and vigorous chewing until pain lessens

Resistance stretches of muscles of mastication (we will teach you)

NSAIDS and muscle relaxants are a last resort

If pain does not improve, we will refer to you an oral surgeon pain specialist for a complete workup. They offer other treatments at said pain clinics we do not provide. Many specialists in this area provide extraoral nerve blocks patients deem helpful.

Minor cases of TMD involve discomfort or pain in the jaw muscles. More serious conditions involve improperly aligned joints or dislocated jaws. The most extreme form of TMD involves an arthritic condition of the jaw joint. Traumatic injuries also can cause jaw dislocation.

In these cases, jaw surgery may be required to correct the condition. Some jaw surgery can be performed arthroscopically.